Saddle up! FASHION heads to Phoenix to wrangle some southwest accessories
Like its perfect partner, denim, western wear never really goes out of style. But every so often, the true grit trend has a runway revival, with designers reinterpreting its classic tenets in irresistibly modern ways. Spring 2011 was such a season: Ralph Lauren⎯but of course⎯corralled cowgirl cool with metallic boots, silver and stone jewellery and fringed leather, Blumarine went wild, belting flashy animal prints with oversized ram’s-head buckles and Hermès reigned in the look with chic equestrian details topped off with sophisticated Stetson-esque wide-brimmed hats.
Taking cue, I headed southwest to the Valley of the Sun⎯otherwise known as Phoenix, Arizona⎯for a much needed break from the snow. Situated in the northern Sonoran desert and flanked by mountains on all sides, the cactus-studded city was the most idyllic setting to shop for authentic southwest accessories. I struck gold (or really, silver) in Old Town Scottsdale, where I found traditional Zuni and Navajo jewellery embellished with turquoise and lapis. At Gilbert Ortega (3925 N Scottsdale Rd., 480- 481-0788, gilbertortegas.com), generations-old traders of Native American arts and crafts, I got a history lesson while trying on beaded cuffs and statement necklaces.
After taking some inspiration from a handful of the 100+ galleries in the area that showcase everything from traditional western to contemporary art, I hit Saba’s (9 locations across Arizona, sabas.com), the go-to retailer for Wranglers, cowboy hats and boots in every style and colour. Then, forcing myself to leave before I bought a fringed suede vest I’d probably never wear, I headed to Local Talent (7050 East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, 480-874-1000, localtalentaz.com)—an eclectic boutique on Scottsdale’s 5th Avenue featuring (you guessed it) clothing and jewellery by fledgling Arizonan designers—where I found the perfect high-collared blouse to wear with my new old-west accessories.
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