Cowboy Kimono

Tag: hand painted denim

  • Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗

    Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗


    The Dino Denim Jacket has officially made its mark—and what a roar-some statement it was! Auctioned at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s 2023 fundraiser, Cretaceous Couture, this unique hand-painted jacket left buyers and guests in awe, capturing the perfect blend of creativity, fun, and fashion.

    A Dino-Mite Twist on Denim

    The jacket was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a canvas waiting for creativity to come alive. The sleeves were adorned with whimsical, white dinosaur shapes—perfectly poised for little artists to add their personal flair. Buyers had the chance to transform their prehistoric pals, whether it was a T-Rex with colorful rainbow spots, a Triceratops in neon stripes, or perhaps a Stegosaurus in cozy pajamas!

    What made this jacket so special was the interactive aspect. It wasn’t just about wearing a jacket—it was about creating one. The dino designs offered endless possibilities for imagination to take flight.

    The Paint-Your-Own Jacket Kit

    Each Dino Denim Jacket came with a special kit that included 3D fabric paints in a range of vibrant colors, turning the jacket into an exciting craft project. The paint was easy to apply, dried quickly, and—most importantly—lasted through wear and tear, making it the ideal material for young, enthusiastic artists.

    Painted sleeves with frolicking dinosaurs.

    A Jacket with a Purpose

    Beyond the fun of designing and wearing a personalized jacket, the Dino Denim Jacket was also created with a heart full of purpose. The jacket was a featured in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s fundraiser, with proceeds supporting important programs in science education and museum outreach.

    Not only did the lucky winner walk away with an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind piece of art, but they also contributed to a cause that inspires future generations of explorers, scientists, and artists. It was a win-win situation for both fashion and philanthropy!

    Final Thoughts

    The Dino Denim Jacket proved to be more than just a fashion statement—it was a full-on creative experience! The jacket provided the perfect outlet for self-expression, while also supporting a cause that nurtures curiosity and love for science. Whether it was the chance to personalize a favorite jacket or the thrill of owning a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, this product certainly left a lasting impression.

    While this particular jacket is now a collectible, we can’t help but hope that it inspires other dino-mite creations in the future! Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when the next interactive art-meets-fashion sensation might pop up! 🦕🎨

     

  • Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

    Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

    The Back Story of the First Cowboy Kimono

    Francesca Blueher easily identifies as an independent-minded person. She is my older sister, leader of our clan of six children, and a self- described “hero from zero to now.” She is also the first owner of a Cowboy Kimono. As her birthday approached in 1996, I found myself fund-challenged and needing to come up with a zero dollar present—stat! I took a denim jacket from the closet, dusted off my fabric paints, and spawned the first Cowboy Kimono. 

    It is not unusual for Francesca to act on her own initiative and her Cowboy Kimono (featured above) is a reflection of that. Curious about what appears to be an undying devotion to the garment and an insistence on wearing it well beyond its life expectancy, I asked her to share about her Cowboy Kimono crush.

    Do you still have the jacket or has it crossed the rainbow bridge?

    FRANCESCA: “I still have it and I will never get rid of it. It is 25 years old, a quarter of a century! Perhaps I will include it in my will – maybe going to my (yet-to-be-born) granddaughter.”

    You wear/wore the jacket to tennis matches – what’s the story behind that wardrobe strategy?

    FRANCESCA: “I’m not playing competitive tennis anymore, but I wore it as a form of sunscreen until I hit the court and put it back on as I walked off the court. The wardrobe strategy? To be used as a protective garment.”

    What’s the oddest / funniest / best / most inspiring encounter you’ve experienced while wearing the jacket?

    FRANCESCA: “My daughter said, ‘My gawd, every time you wore that you would get a compliment on it!’ I started putting Cowboy Kimono business cards in the pocket and giving them away when people asked me about it. I’ve worn it to New York, Paris, and Japan. In New York, it gets a lot of compliments.”

    Why did you continue to wear it when the denim began to “evaporate?”

    FRANCESCA: “OMG it just got better and better as the denim evaporated. It didn’t get older, it just got better – just like me!”

    What do you want people to know about it?

    FRANCESCA: “I wear it to gala or formal fundraising events – much to my husband’s chagrin. I wear it because that beautiful design on the back is meant to go with anything and is such a celebratory design. The jean jacket is the fancy. “

    Do you have any special connection to the jacket’s subject matter? 

    FRANCESCA: “It fits me like a glove. The design is stunning. Absolutely love how perfect the colors are. I’ve never had a piece of clothing that I love as much as this Cowboy Kimono.

    If you have a favorite garment that only gets better with time, please share a photo and your story in the comments. #FashionCrush.

  • Painted Denim Mash-up

    Painted Denim Mash-up

    My Fashion Relationship: It’s Complicated

    One single style doesn’t usually do it for me. I dig mashing-up fashions like Funky + Fabulous, Mariachi + Tres Chic, Astro + Artsy. Creating Cowboy Kimonos allows me to marry unlikely fashion trends that shout, “I’m an original!” Got a dream mash-up? Create your own using the Mash-up Generator.

    Painted denim custom mash-ups

    Mash-up Generator

    Mix & Match the styles below to make a Mash-up. Don’t know the style? Click the links! (From Sew Guide, Fashion Styles: 40 Types)

    Ready to Make Your Mash-up into a Custom Painted Denim Jacket?

    1. SHARE your style mash-up with me and I’ll create a sketch.
    2. LIST your likes and dislikes, then I’ll tweak the sketch until we agree on a final design
    3. TALK COIN. Price is determined by what parts of the jacket are painted, how detailed the design is, and high or low paint coverage. I’ll prepare a quote and begin painting once we agree on price and payment.
    4. PAINT happens. Once complete, the jacket will dry for 24 hours before it ships.
    5. SHIP and SHARE. Once you get your custom Cowboy Kimono, show it off, take a pic and I’ll post it!
    Make A Mash-up!