No form of human expression has been championing the untamed spirit of 19th century Americana - The Wild West - and its rich cultural legacy since Its origins or most consistently than the field of fashion.

Aside from serving as a source of inspiration for every genre of film, literature, music, and art known to man.

Most recent examples from pop culture include:

‘Barbie’ Movie (2024) featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling [Film],

Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Runway Collection Debut [Fashion],

Beyonce’s most recent album ‘Cowgirl Carter’ and tour [Music & Entertainment],

and Western Landscape Oil Painter Mark Maggioni & Will Cotton’s inspired interpretations of cowboys and girls of the Old West [Arts]

The enduring, inspiring spirit of Americana, the Wild West, is celebrated, revered and spotlighted the most - and consistently - within the field of fashion.

ORIGINS

America is a nation founded by the rejection of monarchy and inherited privilege. It is the only place in the world where authority is questioned, innovation is celebrated, and freedom of expression is prized.

And the Americana spirit? It is the belief that change is possible, life can be made better, and that the individual has agency. It is founded upon three fundamental traits: Individualism (belief that each person has the right and duty to shape their own life), Idealism (idea that society can be improved and obstacles are challenges to overcome), and Frontier Mentality (their early settlers constantly pushed into unknown territory).

Is it any wonder that the Wild West – the ultimate symbol of the spirit of Americana - would have such an enduring influence on humanity?

FASHION

Of all the forms of creative human expression – none has been championing the untamed spirit of 19th Century America and its rich cultural legacy since its origins or most consistently than the field of fashion.

Western Wear began as collection of durable but comfortable clothing designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Wild West.

The basics included: a wide-brimmed hat, an ordinary shirt, cowboy vest, cotton or wool pants, leather caps, boots with spurs, and handkerchief around the neck.

HISTORY

Men weren’t the only ones with riding and roping skills – women spent just as much time on the ranch and were just as skilled. They also required practical clothing for their daily routines to the point where they began wearing their husbands, fathers, and brothers’ clothes.

With the introduction of the Wild West in the 1900s, split skirts became increasingly common among western women. This fashion item liberated them to compete with men in various events.

Then in 1910, icons such as Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and other women from the Wild West began paving the way for the future of cowgirls’ fashion. This functional attire gradually transformed into a distinctive fashion style recognized worldwide.

DISCOVER

Feeling Bold? — Shop your own Western Inspired look with these curated items:

COWBOY BOOTS

Initially designed for horseback riding, cowboy boots have a high top to protect the legs, a heel to anchor the boot in stirrups, and pointed toe for ease of sliding into the saddle.

Men’s Western Boots at Cody James for $210

ORIGINS

FASHION

HISTORY

DISCOVER

COWBOY BOOTS

COWBOY HATS

DENIM

SUEDE

DRESSES