Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album has started the rodeo renaissance. For anyone after the look, London has a handful of dedicated western fashion troves full of cowboy hats, chaps, bolero ties and Brokeback Mountain denim jackets.
Here is our pick of the best boutiques:
Hey Cowboy!
The East London treasure trove run by Ed, a man who “dreams about cowboy boots at night.” He has something (lots) for everyone, and throws thigh-slapping parties in summer. “Get into some boots. Nothing makes you feel like a good pair of cowboy boots,” he says. He also stocks an own-brand “Dolly Parton for president” tee.
32 Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
Jessie Western
The A-list Portobello Road hangout (Kate Moss, Kate Hudson and Lana Del Rey — all fans) is run by Jessie, who has worked with Native American Indian and indigenous artists for over 33 years. Expect “real cowboy boots, hats, hand painted water based dye silk prints and custom made hats,” in store. Her credentials? “I lived half my life in USA,” she says. Pricey, yes, but the real deal.
82B Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD
Stetson
The OG US hat maker (who has Beyoncé on speed dial) also runs an outpost in Soho. “The interest in our cowboy styles has increased significantly since we opened the London store a year ago,” says the brand’s London director Mark Harris. “We are asked for Western hats every day and continuously struggle to keep them in stock!”
58 Neal St, London WC2H 9PA
Penelope Chilvers
For the Princess of Wales set who want to add a little yeehaw to their proper, floral dresses. Penelope has always made cowboy boots — in nice suedes, with contrast embroidery — “but for the last 2 seasons they have really been on the rise,” she says. “Texans love our boots because our own are very soft, lightweight and easy to wear every day. Very feminine and not as extreme as the Western statement boot.”
75 Elizabeth Street SW1W 9PJ, 69 Duke Street, Mayfair, W1K 5NX, 24 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8TX and 48 - 50 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AJ
R. Soles
Ok, it’s not actually a boutique anymore, but R. Soles deserves a shoutout as the Kings Road’s historic go-to emporium for all things western wear from 1973. Now online only, shoe designer Judy Rothchild is still making cracking cowboy boots which are well worth a browse.
