The Wild West Comes to Aspen: Inside the Story of Kemo Sabe
Aspen, Colorado, known for its luxurious ski resorts and upscale boutiques, is also home to Kemo Sabe, a western-themed store that has captured the attention of influencers and celebrities alike. Founded in 1990 by Tom and Nancy Yoder, Kemo Sabe offers personalized hats, belts, boots, and other western-wear items that have become a must-have for visitors to the mountain town.
One recent visitor to Kemo Sabe was influencer Alix Earle, who documented her shopping experience at the store in a TikTok video that quickly went viral. In the video, Ms. Earle and her friends can be seen making personalized hats at Kemo Sabe, only to be met with skepticism from a local who referred to their outfits as “Aspen costumes.”
The video sparked a debate about authenticity versus cosplay, as well as the cost of Kemo Sabe’s hats, which can range from $350 to several thousand dollars. Despite the online chatter, Kemo Sabe has continued to thrive, with celebrities and influencers flocking to the store to get their hands on the latest western fashion trends.
Wendy Kunkle, the current owner of Kemo Sabe, has emphasized the store’s commitment to authenticity and organic endorsements. Unlike other brands, Kemo Sabe does not pay celebrities or influencers for product placement, relying instead on word-of-mouth and genuine customer experiences.
The store’s popularity received a further boost when it was featured on an episode of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” where cast members got into a heated debate over tequila brands at Kemo Sabe’s “V.I.P. bar.” The episode showcased the store’s unique blend of luxury and western charm, attracting even more visitors eager to experience the Kemo Sabe lifestyle.
Despite some criticism over the store’s name and the rise of “big-hat influencers,” Kemo Sabe remains a beloved destination for those seeking a taste of the west in the heart of Aspen. As Ms. Kunkle puts it, “It is people wanting a taste and a feel of the west. Why can’t everybody get that feeling without people making fun of it?” With its blend of tradition and modernity, Kemo Sabe continues to be a beacon of western style in the mountains of Colorado.
