Mar 9 • 18:30 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

From cattle stations to city streets, how cowboy fashion went mainstream

The article explores the rise of cowboy-inspired fashion, known as 'cowboy core', in urban women's clothing and its positive impact on Australian country brands.

The trend of 'cowboy core' fashion is gaining traction in urban areas, transcending its origins in Australia’s outback. This style is characterized by cowgirl hats, riding boots, and large-buckled belts, which are now spotted as often on city streets as they are in rural stockyards. Celebrities such as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have popularized this American Western-inspired aesthetic, which has become particularly influential in women's fashion since early 2024. This shift reflects a merging of traditional Western elements with modern streetwear, capturing the attention of a broader audience.

Australian brands like Ringers Western, Akubra, and RM Williams are benefiting from this trend, as 'cowboy core' not only appeals to those in rural Australia but has also attracted urban consumers. With a growing interest in sustainable and locally-made products, these brands are positioned well to capitalize on the surge in popularity of Western-themed fashion. Carol Tan from RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles emphasizes the cinematic Americana influence within this aesthetic, underscoring its appeal as a fusion of old and new styles.

As this trend evolves, it represents a significant cultural shift where elements of rural style enter the mainstream. The increased visibility of cowboy-inspired fashion in urban settings could have larger implications for the fashion industry—spurring innovations that blend rural heritage with contemporary designs, while also potentially reshaping consumer expectations around Australian fashion and identity.

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