Everything
Navigating the mirco trend sphere, albeit exciting, is tricky. The question lies as to whether you should invest in a $2,000 bag with the strong possibility of it being considered obsolete with the new runway season. Fast fashion is only a quick fix and ultimately leads to the cycle of unsustainable style. So, when pieces reminiscent of the wild west begun to seep into seasonal collections followed by street style, it was only a matter of time before it rode the cyclical route back to the 1800’s. Or so we thought.
In 2018, we saw the rebirth of western style. Be it thanks to the arrival (and quick departure) of Raf Simmons with Calvin Klein, who shot the all-American brand to high-fashion appeal with the silver-toe cowboy boot or the recent rise of Lil Nas X, who fused RnB with country music; his style reviving the trend with psychedelic colour. The likes of Celine and Saint Laurent quickly followed suit with iterations of the chelsea boot and even the most recent Pre-Fall 2019 menswear collection from Dior made nods to the ongoing trend with snake skin ready-to-wear and leather accessories.
2019 has seen the continuation of the trend and when it had appeared that the cowboy look was seemingly dying, it saw a refresh on the red carpet. Last month, the American Music Awards took to Los Angeles and celebrities descended onto the red carpet in an array of colour, tulle and glitter. Joining Lil Nas X, Post Malone and Diplo were seen rocking the hat and heeled boots. The music industry has freely adopted the look as it has with the music, and joining Nas on the resurgence of country in an urban setting are the likes of Dan + Shay, Old Dominion and Andy Grammer. And in film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood highlighted the era. Thus far, the cowboy sensibilities will ride on.
There is nothing subtle about the western look. Lapels are widened, boots come with a heel high enough to make a man’s knee’s week and the brim of the hat is sweeping. When it comes to pants, they take on a ’70s flare and shoulder pads are reminiscent of the ’80s. But that doesn’t mean the trend can’t be worn. In fact, quite the opposite, we just suggest starting small.
Try hints of snake skin, opt for a bolo tie over the silk variety and insert a pointed chelsea boot into an after-hours look.
Shop ICON’s picks below.
Lack of Colour Benson Tri Hat / Now $99 AUD SHOP NOW
Rick Owens Square Toe Suede Wedge Boots available from MATCHESFASHION.COM / $1,697 AUD SHOP NOW
Jacquemus Jacques de Nimes Mid-Rise Jeans / Now $633 AUD SHOP NOW
Saint Laurent Western Bolo Tie in Leather with Metal Tie / $520 AUD SHOP NOW
