Collage cowboycore. Credits: Joplin Atelier, Free Form Style y Vanessa Mooney’s.
Every year we delight in a new microtrend that shakes up seasonal fashion in a whimsical way. The styling of an influential artist, the latest collection from a luxury brand, a revolutionary album, a blockbuster movie or the trends that accumulate the most hearts and likes on TikTok or Instagram. Social networks, which already create their own crushes, influence the creation of these passing trends that reach consumers like a gale and are established in editorials and fashion bazaars, also reinforcing themselves in the shop windows of fast fashion stores. Another phenomenon that confirms a microtrend is that as soon as they emerge, they disappear just as quickly.
If last year the fashion spotlight illuminated microtrends Barbiecore and Mermaidcore , inspired by the Mattel doll and the magnetism of mermaids, this spring season experiences a change of register, focusing on the aesthetics of Wild West cowboys. And yes, Beyoncé and her new country album have a lot to say about it. Indeed, the cowboycore style leaves the great American plains to capture the imagination of designers, celebrities and the general public with a contemporary interpretation of the western that renews style codes to get closer to the new generation, but maintains its hallmarks.
Why is cowboymania returning? The current resurgence of cowboycore can be attributed to a mix of nostalgia and a desire for authenticity. In an increasingly digital and globalized world, people seek to connect with styles that evoke a sense of history and tradition. Additionally, the trend toward sustainable and artisanal has made classic western garments, many of which are made from durable materials, even more attractive.
Origins of the trend
Cowboycore finds its roots in Western fashion, a recurring aesthetic in popular culture for decades. Classic western films, new adaptations, television series from the 60s and country music, with artists who capture the essence of deep America, have helped maintain this fashion that is perceived as a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Key pieces of this trend include all types of denim clothing, fringed leather and suede jackets, long ruffled dresses, and shirts with floral or check print motifs. As for accessories, country boots, wide-brimmed hats and belts with large metal buckles are essential. All this in a fusion of styles and other trends, such as glam and streetwear, creating unique and eclectic looks. This has been perceived on the streets of Milan and Paris among stylists and influencers who have worn their own interpretation of the cowboy – or cowgirl – aesthetic, coinciding with the main fashion weeks.
Cowboycore has been the protagonist in several fashion collections for 2024 and 2025, demonstrating its relevance and adaptability. Some notable fashion houses that have adopted this trend are, for example, Dior in its Pre- Fall 2024 collection, with fringed leather jackets and decorated cowboy boots. Also Balmain, with Olivier Rousteing incorporating elements of the microtrend in his Spring/Summer 2024 collection, fusing western aesthetics with glam and futuristic details. Calvin Klein reinterpreted the aesthetic in question with clean lines and a neutral colour palette, highlighting durability and classic style. Earlier this year, Pharrell Williams was inspired by the Old West and collaborated with Dakota and Lakota artists on his men’s collection for Louis Vuitton, filling the runway with turquoise stone bolo ties, pointed-toe cowboy boots (printed, by the way , with cacti) and worn jeans that looked like they had been worn during several rodeos. Finally, in the proposals of Ralph Lauren or Roberto Cavalli you can also find elements to the aesthetics of deep America.
Credit: Joplin Atelier
Cowboy fashion among influential artists
Celebrities play a crucial role in its popularization. One of the most influential figures to showcase this trend is Beyoncé, who, beyond her new country music album, has incorporated the Wild West style into her stage costumes and music videos. Her ‘ Renaissance ‘ tour has witnessed numerous looks inspired by the trend, with a modern and glamorous touch, cementing her status as the queen of this fashion.
Artists like Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus have also embraced the western aesthetic, combining western elements with modern touches. The American rapper has made this style a central part of his image, wearing cowboy boots and hats in his performances and music videos. Kacey Musgraves, a country star, has also popularized cowboycore, mixing traditional western elements with bright, futuristic details in her stage outfits. Her style has influenced both country and mainstream fashion.
The relationship between fashion and music is deep and symbiotic, and cowboycore is a clear example of this. Country music has been a constant source of inspiration for western fashion, and vice versa. Artists like Orville Peck, with his enigmatic style and cowboy mask, have brought the style to new audiences, fusing Western aesthetics with a more theatrical, but sophisticated touch at the same time.
The pop genre has also adopted elements with artists such as Billie Eilish and Post Malone incorporating cowboy boots and denim jackets into their personal styles, showing the versatility and universal appeal of this trend.
Beyond music
The impact of the microtrend extends beyond fashion and music, infiltrating other cultural spheres such as cinema, television and the visual arts. Recent movies and television series, such as “Yellowstone” and “The Power of the Dog “, have presented characters with styles that reflect Western fashion, contributing to its resurgence.
In contemporary art, the cowboycore aesthetic manifests itself in works that explore themes of identity, nostalgia and rebellion. Visual artists such as Richard Prince have incorporated elements of the west into their works, creating a dialogue between popular culture and high-end art.
These are just some examples of how this microtrend has demonstrated its ability to evolve and adapt to new contemporary languages, creating a unique fusion of styles. From the catwalks to the streets, and from music to art, cowboycore continues to influence and be influenced by various cultural spheres. Its enduring appeal and ability to reinvent itself ensure that it will continue to be a relevant force in fashion and beyond.
At Gratacós we have found in the current collection some fabrics that subtly refer us to this aesthetic. Here we leave you our inspirations:
