FASHION’S NEW FRONTIER:NEO-WESTERN CHARM

Style: Mira Nauli Words: Kelsey Lester Photo: Amanda Bearden, Sydney Mireles and Rahmya Trewern Glam: Olivia Simmone (All clothing and shoes are from Decades Vintage inside Kellies in okemos, 5000 Marsh rd, Julie Pointer)

It wasn’t long ago when fashionably seasoned cowboy boots were paired with fringed leather vests. Now, in 2021, the classic Western American style is being recycled once again. Often reconstructed to fit different aesthetics, its practicality has continued to serve a variety of people across generations.

This Wild West fashion was first seen in the 1800s when the United States was famous for its gunslingers. Ranchers roamed the fields in tall leather boots to shield their legs while wearing a wide cowboy hat for protection from the elements. Nearly two centuries later, many are seen using cowboy boots to lengthen the leg in elegant silk dresses or donning bedazzled cowboy hats as the ultimate party accessory.

Cowboy hats and boots have been circulating steadily on the runway since the release of Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2016 ready-to-wear collection. The show consisted of traditional Wild West clothing with modern patterns and muted colors. The show made headlines in the fashion industry for its creativity and went on to inspire many other designers. In Spring 2017, designer Anna Sui released her ready-to-wear collection “Miss American Pie,” which represented old Americana shedding its skin. The collection stood out with its use of vibrant colors and ability to turn more practical clothing choices into what many considered to be works of art. With Sui’s floral-printed prairie dresses and fringe leather jackets, it was obvious how significant of an impact Western American clothing has had on fashion.

Both Ralph Lauren and Anna Sui collections’ were major influences on bringing Wild West clothing back into fashion, but perhaps the most notable collection to don the look was Calvin Klein’s Spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection.

These chic looks featured refined silks and luxe leathers that satisfied Klein’s mission to balance Old Western luxury and contemporary twists. In tying modern clothing pieces with Western accents, Klein created his own Neo-Western genre.

The Western look is not new to the runway, but it wasn’t until recently that it hit the closets of those outside the industry. The look became popular in 2019 following the release of rapper Lil Nas X’s music video for “Old Town Road,” which featured him and other celebrities wearing intricately embroidered jackets and cowboy boots. After the song and video went viral, other celebrities including Cardi B and Beyoncé were seen wearing stylish leather chaps and pointed cowboyinspired boots. And at the 2021 Met Gala, Jennifer Lopez stayed loyal to the Wild West by wearing a floor-length

gown, a wide cowboy hat and a faux fur cape straddling her shoulders. Thanks to Lil Nas X, the “yeehaw agenda” is in full force and the Wild West aesthetic is back in fashion.

The momentum of refurbished Western fashion isn’t slowing down any time soon. And similar to NeoWestern runway looks, this movement has more to do with mainstream trends. As shown in Sui’s collection, it’s very practical and accessible to all types of people.

In the last year, comfort became one of the largest selling points for clothing brands, seen in examples like Levi’s loose denim jeans gaining popularity. Their large pockets are not only convenient, they also follow the Western trend, originating from the Wild West as the denim was meant to be spacious for everyday ranchers — which in today’s terms, may translate into walking miles on college campuses or needing space for a phone and accessories.

While certain trendy prints and silhouettes may decline, spacious denim, comfortable leathers and practical boots are not going anywhere. These Western influences will be around for the long haul.