Sand-coloured suede suit appliqued with glace leather by Colin Bennett and Lloyd Johnson, to order from Cockell & Johnson, Kensington Market. Shirt from Mexicana. Boots from The Westerner.
When you think about it, cowboys wore some pretty fancy clothes. They may have pulled on sweat-soaked jeans and cotton shirts for hustling horses, but in the evening, down in the saloon, there were the gamblers in dude clothes: nail-studded boots, frilled shirts, velvet shoestring ties- at least, that is the way they always show it in the movies. As with all men's fashions that are halfway attractive, it was to be expected that women would adopt them. They took to the raw Wild West stuff first- Levis and rough leather. Now the ritzy, spangly clothes of the saloons have caught up with us. They may look their best with a horse, but in britain you can skip that and wear them to parties --- or anywhere else.
On the Nevada Dunes in a soft chamois skirt by Sylvia, Kensington Market, worn with a matching shirt appliqued in leather from Lloyd Johnson for Cockell & Johnson. Cartridge belt from Brown's Boutique.
Sliver of cream satin and crepe by Ossie Clark, 'Linda'.
Mr Freedom's embroidered satin shirt dress against the blazing neon of Las Vegas. Purple suede laced boots from The Chelsea Cobbler.
Cool desert dawn silhouettes Baccarat's pearly grey crepe dress trimmed with embroidered white satin. Silver snake boots from Deliss.
Crouched against the lofty reaches of the Grand Canyon, Shape's pastel leather skirt and tooled leather jacket (designed by Pat Mariner).
Antique leather split skirt and woven raw silk shirt by John Jessel, overshadowed by the ancient rock face of the Grand Canyon. Suede snakeskin boots by Russell & Bromley.
Editorial by Dan Budnik from The Daily Telegraph Magazine, December 18, 1970.