Wild Wild Midwest: Cowboy Boots Are Becoming A Fashion Statement
Photo by Kayla Szymanski
Kansas City is taking notes from our friends in Texas, and cowboy boots are quickly becoming a fashion statement here.
Boot makers are going beyond beige and brown with traditional stitching: We’re seeing funky colors like turquoise and pink mixed with unique designs like cartoon drawings or flames and tassels hanging off boots.
The Gypsy boots from El Paso’s Rocketbuster are standout knee-highs with intricate patterns, details in blue, red and teal hues and rhinestones. Rocketbuster has custom designs—think corporate logos and dog portraits—so it can take four to six months to make a single pair. -Kayla Szymanski
Kansas City Magazine’s Sway opener for the September 2021 issue
W.H. Ranch Dungarees
Photo from W.H. Ranch Dungarees
When Harrison Ford or the Black Keys need new blue jeans, they know where to look.
Olathe, of course.
Ryan Martin, the founder of W.H. Ranch Dungarees, began sewing at seven years old. He quickly made his way into the denim industry after getting his degree from Kansas State. The Olathe designer started selling lightweight denim ties on Etsy before growing into a business that has made jeans for celebs like Lyle Lovett and Kevin Costner. “I wanted my jeans to fit like Dwight Yoakam’s, and you cannot find those off the shelf,” Martin says. What makes his jeans one of a kind? Martin wanted to create a pair of jeans that reconstructed the crotch so that it would be more wearable for bull riders and people doing hard labor. He also makes every pair by hand—from the second the order is confirmed to shipping out the jeans himself. “This is my creative release,” Martin says. “It’s sort of like asking a painter ‘Why don’t you have somebody help you paint your paintings?’” His jeans start at $375 for a standard pair, but he takes custom orders as well. In the near future, you’ll be able to find W.H. Ranch Dungarees in western stores throughout Kansas. —Kayla Szymanski
Kansas City Magazine Best KC 2021 Issue
Demand for Change
Photo by Kayla Szymanski
The Death of George Floyd sparked a worldwide outrage for change within the U.S. Justice System. Thousands gathered in June to protest police brutality. Among the biggest rallies was a June 5 rally held outside of Kansas City’s City Hall, attended by U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. The crowd chanted “No justice, no peace” as protesters moves toward the KCPD Headquarters, which was lined with members of the National Guard. The event culminated with Mayor Lucas signing a pledge to support a list of demands for change, including local control of the KCPD and funding body camera for all officers. -Kayla Szymanski