Journey to the WEST

Time to slip into some chaps and saddle up. Fashion's biggest brands are taking a turn at the rodeo.

- VALECIA LEE

Like the free-spirited cowboys from which the aesthetic originated, country style—that look so synonymous with the American West— gallops to its own beat. Now, with pop culture once again fascinated by the Western front, fashion is following suit, and the movement shows no signs of slowing down.

Since the middle of last year, we’ve seen sparks of “Cowboy Core” emerging. In the world of cinema, you had the protagonist (played by Margot Robbie) of Barbie fearlessly exploring uncharted territory in her pink Cowgirl ensemble, which went on to become one of the most talked-about outfits in film. Western epic Killers of the Flower Moon also made waves for its compelling representation of indigenous culture. Simultaneously, pop music was going through its own country era with the debut of Beyoncé’s record-breaking Cowboy Carter album and the highly anticipated arrival of Lana Del Rey’s country album, Lasso.