The Rise of Cowboy-Core: How Beyoncé and Fashion are Redefining Western Style
In a world where trends come and go, one style has ridden into town and taken the fashion world by storm: cowboy-core. This unique blend of frontier America mythology and modern flair has been making waves, especially after Beyoncé’s release of her country-inflected album, “Cowboy Carter,” which has been dominating the charts.
But what exactly is cowboy-core? Who owns it? And how do you define a style that ranges from traditional western to modern to preppy to Black? According to Josh Garrett-Davis, curator of Western American history, the figure of the cowboy has always been haunted by the notion of authenticity, making it a complex and multifaceted concept.
Fashion has also played a significant role in the cowboy-core trend, with designers like Pharrell Williams incorporating Wild West elements into their collections. From fringe to cowboy hats, the revival of cowboy aesthetics has been seen everywhere, from high-end fashion shows to magazine pictorials.
But cowboy-core is not just about fashion; it’s also about reclaiming a diverse narrative. As Sonya Abrego, a design historian, points out, western wear is not just functional workwear but a way to perform Americanness and showcase diversity. The latest iteration of cowboy style is creating space for younger queer kids and people of color to reinterpret and explore the rich history of the West.
In the world of cowboy-core, authenticity may be elusive, but the impact is undeniable. From Beyoncé to high-fashion runways, cowboy style is here to stay, redefining what it means to be a cowboy in the 21st century.
