In the ever-evolving world of fashion, 2024 has brought a resurgence of the cowboy trend, blending historical roots with modern flair. This season, designers are paying homage to the rugged, adventurous spirit of the American West while adding contemporary twists that make this style both nostalgic and fresh. Enter the Coastal Cowgirl Look!
The History of the Cowboy Trend
The 1950s: Levi Strauss and the Birth of the Modern Cowboy Look
The cowboy trend in fashion has deep roots, tracing back to the functional attire of American cowboys in the late 19th century. However, it was in the 1950s that this look became a staple of mainstream fashion. Levi Strauss, with its iconic Levi’s jeans, played a pivotal role in popularizing the rugged denim that defined the cowboy aesthetic. During this era, Western movies and television shows were at their peak, and characters like John Wayne became cultural icons, embodying the cowboy look with their denim jeans, plaid shirts, and leather boots.
The 1970s: Cowboy Hats and Boots Take Center Stage
The 1970s saw another wave of the cowboy trend, fueled by the influence of country music stars and Hollywood celebrities. Artists like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton brought the cowboy look to the forefront of pop culture, donning cowboy hats and boots that became emblematic of their style. This period also saw fashion icons like Jane Fonda (in 'Cat Ballou,' a Cowboy & Western comedy) and Robert Redford incorporating cowboy elements into their wardrobes, blending ruggedness with a touch of Hollywood glamour.
Modern Designs Embracing Cowboy Aesthetics
Several avant-garde designers have also jumped on the cowboy bandwagon, pushing the boundaries of this classic trend. For instance:
Jeremy Scott: Known for his eccentric and playful designs, Scott has introduced cowboy-themed collections featuring exaggerated silhouettes, vibrant colors, and whimsical prints as well as his famous boot trainer for Adidas and his cartoonesque brightly coloured cowboy boots for girls.
Virgil Abloh: With Off-White, Abloh has blended streetwear with Western elements, creating pieces that resonate with the younger generation. His collections include deconstructed denim jackets, oversized cowboy hats, and embellished cowboy boots.
Music Artists and the Cowboy Vibe
The cowboy trend continues to thrive in the music industry, with artists incorporating Western elements into their style and performances. Some notable examples are:
Lil Nas X: Known for his hit "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X has embraced the cowboy aesthetic, often seen in fringed jackets, cowboy hats, and boots as well as bright and vibrant matador styled jackets.
Kacey Musgraves: This country music star infuses her wardrobe with vintage Western pieces, bringing a modern twist to the classic cowgirl look.
Pharrell's new collection for Louis Vuitton galloped onto the catwalks for Autumn Winter 2024 too. Click the link to see the show.
Beyonce is the queen of style forecasting. She knows what's going to be cool, before it's cool. Her latest fashion tidal wave is all over the cowboy aesthetic and her fans are loving it.
Gemstones and Bold Jewelry in the Cowboy Trend
Gemstones play a significant role in the cowboy trend, adding a touch of natural beauty and elegance to the rugged aesthetic. Turquoise, with its rich blue-green color, is a quintessential element of Western jewelry. Larimar, a rare blue stone found in the Dominican Republic, has also gained popularity for its unique, ocean-like hues. Designers are incorporating these stones into oversized silver pieces, such as statement necklaces, chunky rings, and bold bracelets, creating a striking contrast with the earthy tones of traditional cowboy attire.
Coastal Cowgirl: Wild & Free
The coastal cowgirl trend combines the rugged, free-spirited essence of Western fashion with the breezy, laid-back vibe of coastal living. This unique style fusion features elements like distressed denim, cowboy boots, and wide-brimmed hats paired with flowy dresses, crochet tops, and beachy accessories. Think of it as a blend of sun-kissed, sandy shores and open prairie landscapes, where the classic cowgirl aesthetic meets bohemian beach chic. It's perfect for those who want to channel their inner cowgirl while enjoying the relaxed, carefree atmosphere of coastal environments. Sky blues, beiges, denims and gold and silver chunky bracelets and rings with icy larimar gemstones and fine and dainty layering necklaces and stud earrings.
Whether you're a fan of classic Western wear or avant-garde cowboy chic, this bomerang trend offers something for everyone, proving that the spirit of the cowboy is, as always, very much alive and .....kicking!