1. ZIP IT GOOD
Tecovas is tackling real-life boot quandaries in zippy fashion. Earlier this year, the direct-to-consumer brand announced two versions of a zip-up boot for men: The Dean ($235) comes in soft Bourbon Calf leather, The Roy ($235) in waterproof Honey Suede. The inward-facing zippers are barely noticeable; the shafts are designed to make pants and jeans fit more comfortably. And these should please cowboys who have trouble putting on and taking off boots. Tecovas founder Paul Hedrick even found a fan of the zip-ups in country star Randy Travis, whose mobility issues prevent him from wearing traditional models. Now he can dress to the hilt in the kinds of boots he has worn all his life. tecovas.com
2. BLACK HILLS BISON
Artist Dana Voorhees finds inspiration for her jewelry designs in her surroundings. “Born in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I relate easily to the character of the mountains,” she says. “My love of the outdoors puts me in touch with the colors, shapes, and textures of nature, and I draw inspiration from diverse cultural influences and the landscape around my Black Hills studio.” She also strives to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces that can be dressed up or down, with various colors and textures, all with gemstones hand-selected by the artist. “While many of my design ideas may begin in nature, sparkling gems adopt an understated elegance that transforms them from wear-everyday pleasures to special-occasion dazzlers,” she says. Among Voorhees’ latest upscale yet versatile designs, this clasp bracelet features two strands of Sleeping Beauty turquoise with orange spiny oyster shell and blue lapis accents, bordering a mother-of-pearl and turquoise inlaid buffalo pendant ($148). danavoorhees.com
3. WARBONNETS
“I have a passion for what I do,” says hatmaker Dan McIntosh. “I have always enjoyed working with my hands and [expressing] my creativity through them.” Having spent time in rodeo and training horses, McIntosh took a career turn in 2014, launching Warbonnet Hatworks as a collection of custom toppers of his own design. In April 2016, he brought his wife, Brooklyn, on board to oversee the women’s designs. Since then, the talented duo, based in Millsap, Texas, has built Warbonnet into a household name out West. Each of the original hats is created in collaboration with the customer and handcrafted to suit his or her style, down to the last detail (contact for pricing). warbonnethatworks.com
4. WATCH OUT FOR WRANGLER
Having long been an icon in Westernwear, and then tackling leather goods, Wrangler is further expanding its fashion empire, recently debuting the Wrangler Watch collection in partnership with Paradox Fine Watch Company. “We are proud to partner with Wrangler to develop a collection of timepieces that stays true to the apparel icon’s place as a steward of the Western lifestyle,” said Mark Schatten, executive director at Paradox. Featuring 65 models and 20 series for men and women, the Wrangler Watch collection blends the brand’s Western roots with contemporary trends. The premiere models feature sleek designs paired with unique details drawn from Wrangler’s apparel collections and will be available through Western retailers, with limited styles available on the Wrangler website (from $25 to $75). wrangler.com
5. HANG A LEFT
Ideal for your everyday carry-all-with-class, the Jon Hart Left Bank Tote takes its name from Paris’ storied artistic section on the southern bank of the Seine. This stylish bag fits in wherever it goes, from the cafés of the City of Light to the galleries of the City Different. Made of vinyl-coated canvas with natural leather trim, it’s customizable with any logo, name, or initials. And it’s equipped with an inside small zippered pocket perfect for your phone and outside pockets on each end for quick accessibility. For students and teachers, it makes a roomy book bag. For others on the go, it’s a road-ready partner. Pack up your devices and a couple of croissants and head out! ($208 without personalization or logo fees). jonhartdesign.com
6. KOKOPELLI COLLECTIBLES
Family-owned and operated since 1987, Lema’s Kokopelli Gallery is a go-to resource for Native American-made crafts with a clientele spanning the globe. Founder Tony Lema Sr. learned his love for his trade from his mother, a Native craftswoman herself, and he opened his first storefront in Gallup, New Mexico, in 1975. In the late 1980s, his wife, Carolyn, suggested they open up shop in Moab, Utah, to take advantage of the area’s booming tourism. And business has continued to boom ever since. Among the most reputable dealers of Native American collectibles, Lema’s showcases everything from Zuni fetishes and Navajo rugs to one-of-a-kind accessories like these coral fan-shaped sterling silver chandelier earrings by Geneva J.A. ($595). kokopellioutlet.com
