THE OPEN RANGE
WESTERN MULE
The mule was given new life when Gucci debuted its popular fur-lined backless loafer in 2015, and for several seasons now, we’ve seen it stand strong as a popular trend in footwear. But the mule really hit its stride last spring, becoming more prevelant than ever across collections, and Old Gringo has taken note. A brand known for having a finger on the pulse of contemporary fashion, Old Gringo has reimagined the mule from a Western frame of mind, introducing new backless booties like the Amber ($349). oldgringoboots.com
ETKIE FROM CIMARRON
Etkie bracelets are designed to empower women — those who wear them and those who make them. “The word etkie translates to mean impact in Turkish,” says the label’s founder, Sydney Alfonso. “I started working with a women’s cooperative in Istanbul assisting artisans in creating a profitable platform for their handmade jewelry. The intent was to elevate their profit from meager sales to a reliable living wage. Returning to New Mexico, I launched Etkie with the same passion.” Not only does the brand allow Navajo Nation beaders to earn a decent living through their work, it brings buyers contemporary designs like the Astrid ($625) and Drew Nickle cuffs ($215), inspired by starry winter nights, and the Heritage collection’s Cactus cuff ($245) — all handmade with glass seed beads. cimarronrivercompany.com
WESTERN ALOHA
Western Aloha brings cultures together in its original line of versatile apparel and accessories. Celebrating the “aloha lifestyle,” the Hawaii-based company pays textile designs and tells the story of Kohala, the birthplace of the Hawaiian cowboy, known as a ($160).
