A week after the release of Cowboy Carter, 19th century American iconography has fenced us in like livestock. But even though her crusade into Country Music is already disrupting the genre and culture surrounding it, Queen B is not actually solely responsible for the ubiquity of Wild Wild Western aesthetics, memes and all.
Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, as well as fellow Musicians Mitski and Solange – yes, her own sister – have (long) preceded Beyoncé in creatively reinterpreting the archetype, making the latter's now-pressing, but ultimately long-time-coming influence on contemporary fashion all the more justified.
The ways in which artists and designers have recently commemorated the cowboy range from paying direct tribute to his visual legacy, to more abstract undoings, subversions or modifications of the codes within the clothes he herded animals in. So hold onto your hats as you barge through our saloon doors, for these runway-gone-rodeo selects are all 'yee-haw', no 'yee-nah'.
Flâneur Denim Blazer
We're going in full throttle to showcase a literal Canadian Tuxedo – or at least the upper section of one. It'll also double as your half of a couple's costume in ode to Britney Spears and an individual who shall not be named's full denim awards show ensemble.
Acne Studios Denim Shirt
Remaining in jeans territory, this slouchy Acne Studios shirt's seam detailing faintly winks at our article's protagonist, rather than jamming spurs into our sides to insist we get the reference ...
Nudie Jeans Western Shirt
... but of course there's nothing wrong with being more vivid in one's admiration, either.
HTC Los Angeles Studded Belt
Somewhere in between paingstainkinly obvious and farfetched'd be this belt. It's enough "howdy" to make the cut, but not too much for someone to tell you to hold your horses.
Y/Project Cowboy Cuff Jeans
These slacks, however, flip a bird at subtlety altogether. A real ranch pant; break 'em in like you would a bronco.
Dr. Martens Slingbacks
Not all heroes wear capes, and not all wranglers wear boots. Well, maybe? Outside the corral, we think they'd have surely enjoyed a pair of cognac summer sandals every so often, too.
Fear of God Western Ankle Boots
We won't deprive you of the cowboys' iconic footwear, fear not - but fear God, apparently, when wearing these mossy suede ankle boots. An effective example of a more understated allusion to the source material.
Loewe Suede Bucket Bag
A saddle bag? Not so much, but this canyon-colored tote'd been as good a Bonanza prop as it is a voluminous, en vogue accessory in 2024.
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