Nudie Western Wear

Welcome to Village Vintage of San Luis Obispo, where we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of vintage clothing and accessories. Today, we're excited to share the fascinating history of Nudie Western Wear, a brand that has become synonymous with the American cowboy.

Nudie Cohn, also known as "Nudie the Rodeo Tailor," was a Ukrainian-born American tailor who became famous for creating extravagant, hand-embellished Western wear for some of the most famous country music stars of the 20th century. He arrived in New York City in the early 1920s, and began working as a tailor in the city's garment district. In the 1940s, he moved to Hollywood where he began creating custom-made Western wear for movie stars and rodeo cowboys.

One of Nudie's most famous clients was country music legend, Gene Autry. In the 1950s, Autry commissioned Nudie to create a suit covered in gold lame, which he wore on his television show, "The Gene Autry Show." This suit, known as the "Golden Cowboy," became a symbol of Nudie's extravagant and over-the-top designs.

Nudie's creations were not just limited to suits, he also made custom-made boots, shirts, and even cars, all adorned with rhinestones, beads, and other embellishments. He opened his first retail store, Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, in North Hollywood in the late 1950s, and it quickly became a destination for celebrities and country music stars looking for one-of-a-kind Western wear.

Nudie's designs were not just limited to the world of country music, but also in the fashion world. His creations were worn by several celebrities including Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne, solidifying his place as the premier tailor of Western wear.

Nudie Cohn passed away in 1984, but his legacy lives on through the Nudie's Rodeo Tailors brand, which is still in operation today. Nudie's designs were a true reflection of the American cowboy and the wild west spirit. They continue to be sought after by collectors and fans of Western wear.