New Fashion Cutting, a dynamic blend of high fashion and Western equestrianism, took center stage at New York Fashion Week. Supermodel Bella Hadid and her partner, elite cutting horse rider Adan Banuelos, showcased their horsemanship skills in a live demonstration, bridging the gap between the runway and the rodeo arena. The event, hosted by fashion brand Kemo Sabe in partnership with Teton Ridge, highlighted the new short film series, Window to the West.
The fusion of these two seemingly disparate worlds created a unique spectacle. Teton Ridge transformed Gansevoort Street into a temporary arena, complete with a cutting pen and a CowTrac flag. This innovative approach brought the authenticity of Western performance horse training to a new audience.
While familiar to those in the Western riding world, the CowTrac flag, a device mimicking the movements of a cow, likely intrigued the fashion-forward New York crowd. It’s a crucial tool in new fashion cutting, specifically training cutting horses to react with precision and agility.
Hadid and Banuelos, both accomplished riders, demonstrated intricate cutting maneuvers, offering a glimpse into the demanding sport of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). Banuelos, an NCHA Futurity champion, and Hadid, a regular competitor in cutting events, rode well-known horses from their training program. Hadid rode Purrn Likeasmoothcat, a cutting horse with a distinguished competition history, while Banuelos expertly handled Pedel to the Metall, a renowned horse in the NCHA circuit.
Hadid’s increasing involvement in the Western performance horse world, including her participation in major NCHA events like the NCHA Summer Spectacular, further solidifies this new fashion cutting trend. The event showcased how Western culture, once considered niche, is now captivating international style icons and high-fashion audiences. Hadid’s attire – denim, fringed chaps, a broad-brimmed hat, and an NCHA belt buckle – underscored her authentic connection to the Western lifestyle. This new fashion cutting trend extends beyond individual style.
Brands like Kemo Sabe, Teton Ridge, and Tito’s Vodka are embracing the Western aesthetic, demonstrating the growing popularity of this cultural crossover. This signifies a broader shift in fashion trends, where the rugged authenticity of the West is increasingly influencing mainstream style.
This merging of high fashion and Western heritage is not just a fleeting trend; it represents a significant cultural shift. The precision and athleticism of new fashion cutting, as demonstrated by Hadid and Banuelos, are captivating new audiences and redefining style boundaries.
