Elizabeth Semmelhack

From cowboy boots humble origins to their elevation as cultural icons, this far-ranging volume chronicles how their distinctive designs and makers have shaped and been shaped by American culture. Engaging narratives, insightful interviews, and vibrant images showcase the evolution through five transformative eras: 'Real' explores multicultural origins and the authentic cowboys who wore them; 'Rodeo' examines Western mythmaking through Wild West shows, early film, and dude ranches; 'Rhinestone' delves into country western music, Nudie Cohn s designs, and the shifting archetypes from Gene Autry s moral code to John Wayne s tougher persona; 'Red' investigates the boots emergence as luxury commodities during the Reagan years and Urban Cowboy phenomenon; and 'Reclaimed' presents contemporary reinterpretations from the Western-inspired fashion of Beyonce and Pharrell Williams to modern bootmakers. Complementing the authoritative foundation are thoughtful interviews that enrich the historical analysis: an Indigenous voice essay provides cultural perspective, Nudie Cohn s origin story offers industry context, and conversations with both traditional craftsmen and innovative makers demonstrate how the cowboy boot continues to evolve while honoring its heritage.

Born in 1907, Roger Vivier was renowned for his daring, lavish shoe designs over a seven-decade career, creating iconic pieces like the pilgrim shoes worn by Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour, the virgule heel, and the rectangular chrome buckle. Although the original business closed before Vivier s passing in 1998, its revival began in 2003 under Diego della Valle, owner of Tod s, transforming Roger Vivier into a globally recognized luxury shoe and accessory brand. With Gherardo Felloni appointed creative director in 2018, the maison blends visionary design with its rich heritage, reimagining archives into fresh, theatrical collections. This definitive book chronicles Roger Vivier s journey from its origins to the present, featuring archival treasures and recent collections, making it an essential volume for fashion lovers, students, and experts alike.