Holly George-Warren and Michelle Freedman
Introduction by James H. Nottage
Foreword by Marty Stuart
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, in association with Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Los Angeles
2001
240 pages
Color photographs

Published in conjunction with the Autry Museum of Western Heritage’s 2001 traveling exhibition How the West Was Worn.

From fringed chaps and embroidered jeans to silver-studded and rhinestone suits, Western wear is a unique American look that continues to captivate the world. Here is a round-up of the many different styles of this enduring trend and an authoritative yet entertaining examination of Long Riders, rodeo girls, and rhinestone cowboys from the past to the present.

The fabulous costumes are complemented by archival photographs of Western wearers from authentic nineteenth-century cowhands to lavishly adorned celebrities. Collectibles, such as vintage album covers, illustrated mail-order catalogues, and sewing patterns, are presented in context with this colorful history. Features details on many elaborate outfits, including how Porter Wagoner envisioned his famous Wagon Wheels suit, pictured on the book's cover, from Nudie’s original files.

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