Tribal - Western Fashion

Corina- Growing up in Venezuela, my only knowledge of western or cowboys was the good-looking Marlboro Man https://tobacco.stanford.edu/cigarettes/filter-safety-myths/marlboro-men/ .It was not until I moved to Oklahoma in the early 80’s that I learned about western fashion and culture. The key elements of western fashion: boots, hats, denim, fringe, ruffles, and suede have never been out of style and never will.

This trend symbolizes freedom and pays tribute to a significant era in American history. I never fully joined in this trend. However, it was then when my love for denim jackets started. Silver and turquoise jewelry, another big element of this trend, has always been part of my style since turquoise is one of my birth stones. I do wear some western “inspired" pieces such as denim shirts, booties, sometimes a little fringe and the closest I have ever been to a western hat is my pink straw summer hat! 

Ana- Ralph Laurent knows it, as does Pharrell Williams.

There is a certain allure and serene beauty about tribal western garments.

Before Pharrell Williams thought western would be worth a fashion collection , Ralph Lauren had made tribal-ware a focus of his brand, and I had sprinkles of it all over my closet.

A waffle dress, a sweater, a belt, a skirt, and a Tailored jacket.

More recently Ralph Lauren has gone a step further and has launched a 3 capsule collection in partnership with a Navajo artist. Here is the video of tag collaboration and my tribal-western pieces. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0hH66ZObJS/ 

Beni and my Boys

This post has made me think about my own Native South American heritage and a very dear woman who I call my second mother. Here is a picture of her having a video conference with my boys.

I will be adding to my wardrobe a piece from their famous weaves in 2024 https://wayuutaya.org/store