Western wear has long been a symbol of Americana, conjuring images of open plains and a frontier spirit. In recent years, this timeless aesthetic has evolved into a luxury fashion statement, blending its iconic roots with high-end craftsmanship and design. What was once practical attire for life on the range has become a symbol of style, status and culture, embraced by celebrities, designers and tastemakers alike.
It likely has been hard not to notice. It’s on TV in the form of the hit series Yellowstone and its many spin offs. Dolly’s back. Beyoncé and Post Malone both have country albums, and have undergone Western makeovers. Young celebs like Kendall Jenner, and Emily Ratajkowski have stepped out in hallmarks of the aesthetic. Bella Hadid made a show stopping appearance at New York Fashion Week on horseback, donning chaps and an elegant cowboy hat.
The appeal of Western wear lies, in part, in its connection to nature and simplicity. High-quality materials such as leather, denim, and suede evoke a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship.
In an age of fast fashion, these timeless pieces speak to a slower, more deliberate approach to style—one that values heritage and longevity.
Jess in a Dries Van Noten shirt.
Cam wears Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses; Casablanca blazer; Jess’s outfit from his own closet.
Perhaps that is why luxury brands have seen fit to jump into the arena and reimagine these pieces, elevating them with fine materials, intricate detailing, and modern cuts. Brands like Louis Vuillton, Isabel Marant, Chanel and Balmain have all integrated Western-inspired elements into recent collections. And labels with deep roots in the culture, such as El Paso’s Lucchese, established in 1883, are experiencing a potent revival.
As designers continue to reinterpret Western wear through a luxury lens, its appeal only grows.
From left: Midland’s Cam Duddy (bass) wears Nylo Wool pants; boots from Rich Cast of Characters; Mark Wystrach (lead vocals, guitar) wears a Lucchese jacket, Nylo Wool pants; Jess Carson
One group who fit inside that mold is Austin-based three piece Midland. The country outfit formed a decade ago, and when their debut Midland EP dropped in 2016 music fans took a keen interest in their attire, which mixed vintage, curated Western looks with high fashion. Early on, chatter about their sartorial choices threatened to drown out their musical output, and may have done so had they not scored a massive hit, “Drinkin’ Problem,” off that first effort.
Midland on the grounds at Commodore Perry Estate.
Now, ten years on, and with a new album out, Barely Blue, the trio are rightly seen as forebearers of Western style’s current wave.
We invited Midland—Mark Wystrach (lead vocals, guitar), Cam Duddy (bass), Jess Cason (guitar)—to Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, where they’re proud members and were the debut performers for the Estate Music Series, to show off some of their favorite looks, both from their own closets and from different designers they admire.
