Beyoncé's Cowboy Hat Comeback: How Western Wear is Conquering the Fashion World—Sustainably!

Hold on to your cowboy hats, folks, because Western fashion is back and bigger than ever! From Beyoncé's dazzling cowboy hat to her denim-clad anthems, the world of western wear is taking the stage once again! But wait, it's not just riding a trend wave—Western fashion has been making a regular comeback on the runways and in magazines for the past 40 years. It all kicked off with the urban cowboy craze of the late 70s.

Rockmount Ranch Wear, a legendary family business right in downtown Denver, is holding the fort, selling and designing Western chic since the 1940s. To these folks, it's not just a trend—it's a lifestyle! Every iconic item, from the cowboy boots to the chaps, has a story. They were developed for function, not just fashion. Leather, a byproduct from the beef industry, is the backbone of these fashion staples. It's not just durable; it's a renewable resource, but sadly, a lot of it goes to waste.

Enter Jordan Kraft Lambert, your eco-fashion hero on a mission to rescue underutilized byproducts from the beef industry like organ meat (yep, offal) and, of course, leather! Lambert teamed up with CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising to cook up a wild idea: get students to craft designs using leather pieces borrowed from Colorado ranchers for a fashion showdown at the National Western Stock Show! Intrigued? You should be! Models will strut—and yes, even ride horses—showcasing these unique designs during the Offal Party. Yes, that's a thing!

Hungry for more? How about designing a leather skirt that's just as functional as it is fabulous, inspired by intricate saddles and daring horse adventures? Colby Zur thought of it all, blending durability with flair, ensuring those working in agriculture can seamlessly drift from fieldwork to night-outs.

Zur’s not stopping with this leather obsession any time soon, loving the natural materials like wool, cotton, leather, and fur for their longevity and eco-friendly nature. His recent adventure into “zero waste” fashion showed him and his peers just how little waste they can produce.

But it's more than just a fashion moment—it's about challenging the fashion industry's environmental footprint. With thrifted and upcycled materials, these creations aren't just stunning; they're sustainable, paving the way for future designers to prioritize the planet!

Western fashion isn't just riding a mechanical bull—it's here to stay, with sustainability leading the charge! Curious about our stance on journalism ethics? Find out more here. Buckle up, fashionistas—this Frontier is fierce!