Behind the Design
Yellowstone costume designer Johnetta Boone shares what inspired the limited-edition collection.
Ariat x Yellowstone
Curated by world-renowned Yellowstone costume designer Johnetta Boone, our new limited-edition Ariat x Yellowstone collection is pure Dutton Ranch style rooted in the authentic West. We sat down with Johnetta to learn what inspired the designs and how we reimagined the classic style of the American West.
What was the goal of the Ariat x Yellowstone collection?
One of my goals was to stay true to Western culture, so authenticity was the driving force behind this new Yellowstone-inspired collection. Ariat makes incredible high-quality products for the true cowboy, and I was able to pair my cowboy lifestyle designs with their knowledge to create great products that everyone could wear.
We wanted the collection to feel lived in. People seek vintage pieces because they're already broken in and have character. When you wear the clothing, you immediately feel transported into the world of Yellowstone. There is freedom in this collection—you can wear it as you want, and it provides everyone with Western influences for their daily wear. Today, people are wearing cowboy boots and hats with very unconventional things. And I love it. I want to make sure that everyone's included. I want people to feel at home.
Describe the key pieces in this collection.
Jackets, denim shirts, flannel-waxed overshirts, and three different kinds of jeans: a dark denim, light-washed denim, and medium wash. They’re already aged and distressed. We also have a wonderful collection of roughout leather boots that look aged and well-worn, in addition to a couple of dress boots.
What makes this collection unique?
The attention to detail is what makes it special. Justin Boone, my assistant on the show, and I made sure that we checked all the boxes, from the color of the thread and rivets to the size of the cuffs and the depth of the collars. We paid attention to everything, even the coin pocket on the men's jeans and the inside pocket of the denim jacket.
Does the collection tie into Yellowstone characters?
The Yellowstone ranch hands have very much influenced the collection as well as Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the show. I told the Ariat Style team that the test we have to pass is with Taylor. I wanted to make sure that he was happy. We've done a couple of pieces where I would say I had Beth Dutton in mind because she has a certain style. But for the most part, it's inspired by the people working on the horses.
What are some style rules to live by?
There are no rules when it comes to clothing and style. Don’t put yourself in a box. Just express yourself in the way you choose. And just wear it. Love it. Be who you are. You can mix things together. You can wear two different colors of denim. And you can wear a full-on cowboy look and not be a cowboy or a cowgirl.