How designers are presenting modern takes on the classic Americana style


Embodying a quintessential Western accent, this outfit design features an abundance of fringe, extending even to the hobo bag. Photo: Instagram/Isabel Marant

It looks like the fashion frontier is heading west as classic cowboy style gets elevated to a cool blend of glamour, grit and sophistication.

What makes the look of the Wild, Wild West captivating and attractive is that it is rough yet polished at the same time.

Jeans are belted with intricately engraved buckles, denim shirts are highlighted with metal collar points, aged leather jackets are detailed with fringes, and not forgetting the bolo tie that pull the look together.

Topping it all off is a cowboy hat in sumptuous suede that lends style and confidence.

The brand that most likely started the Western bonanza this time around is Louis Vuitton where its entire Autumn/Winter 2024 men’s collection is all about cowboy cool.

Contemporary Americana fashion comprising a cowboy blouse teamed with an embellished skirt, cinched at the waist by a belt with a silver buckle. Photo: Ralph Lauren
Contemporary Americana fashion comprising a cowboy blouse teamed with an embellished skirt, cinched at the waist by a belt with a silver buckle. Photo: Ralph Lauren
The Louis Vuitton dandy evolves through the American Western tradition of dressing up.

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With a country twist, suits and shirts feature Western motifs like cacti, bucrania, and bolo ties, all chain-stitched into the designs.

Jeanswear is embellished with pearl and sequin floral embroidery, gunmetal washes, sunbeam and rain beading, or Western floral prints.

And, just recently, the French brand released a capsule collection, which draws inspiration from the American Western origins of workwear.

The range spans ready-to-wear, a limited-edition Keepall 50 Toolbox bag, and the Maison’s anticipated boot collaboration with Timberland.

The godfather of Americana style is most definitely Ralph Lauren. Almost every season he incorporates Wild West themes into his collections.

One of his latest creations is a black cowboy shirt paired with a heavily-embellished gold skirt, cinched at the waist with a leather belt adorned with a large, engraved silver buckle. The ensemble is completed with a cowboy hat.

Of course Roberto Cavalli’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection is also a journey into Western echoes but in a dark and dramatic fashion.

One of the looks designed by the Italian label’s creative director, Fausto Puglisi, include a black leather trench coat detailed with fringe and a matching cowboy hat in black, glossy leather.

Contemporary with a hint of drama is Versace Jeans Couture’s denim get-up comprising a pair of jeans and a sleeveless cowboy top complete with engraved, bronze collar points.

Read more: Chokers and flannel shirts: 1990s fashion is back to thrill (or taunt) you

Adding a dash of dazzle, the ensemble features shiny, leather gloves!

A “glam ranch” spirit is seen at Isabel Marant, where a leather and suede ensemble is fully fringed, a quintessential Western accent.

Even the matching hobo bag features fringe detailing and decorative eyelets.

Not missing from the Western fashion action is high-street brand Zara where a distressed leather belt is accented with a large, engraved silver buckle, adorned with a dark red stone in the centre. With this belt, you’ll surely buckle up in style!

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fashion , trends , ready-to-wear , accessories , bags

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