Buckle Up
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In the 1930s, Hollywood popularized trophy belt buckles as icons of the Old West (a misnomer since most cowboys opted for suspenders). But Denver is bringing the ornate objects into the 21st century, courtesy of the trusted metalworkers at Johnson & Held.
This fall, the 30-year-old company introduces a contemporary men’s collection that blends various stones and exotic woods, such as Burma blackwood and Argentine lignum, with the company’s famed metal handiwork. Crafted by hand, each buckle takes two weeks to produce before being sold worldwide. We’re partial to the Colorado Flag Ironwood ($220, below).
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There’s plenty for the ladies, too. The women’s line, a collaboration with national TV host Kadee Coffman, updates Western motifs and colors with feminine touches. The Call Me Wildflower ($230), for example, tops a nickel silver plate with a flower made of turquoise and inlaid stone petals—an inspired meeting of the Old and New West.
Buy It Berkeley Supply; IndyInk, 720-937-9722, indyink.com; or Johnson & Held, 303-934-4729, jandhbuckles.com
