‘Boots, Buckles & Bolos‘ by Jim Arndt is an inspiring photo collection of vintage and new Western style accessories, including many handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.
More than 200 photos of cowboy boots, buckles, and bolos take us on a Western journey through more than a century. From handcrafted examples of cowboy and cowgirl boots, decorative belt buckles fashioned by silversmiths and engravers, and slides for bolo ties, you can almost smell the boot leather feel the smooth stones and silver engraving.
Each of us has images in our minds and, often, special memories that remind us of the American West landscapes: mountains and their streams, deserts and wide open spaces, breathtaking sunsets, bison roaming prairies and plains. On a more notable level, the freedom of the Old West, the wildness of bar brawls, bank robberies, and shoot-outs join our collected memories of a time and place.
Central among these visions is “The Cowboy,” on horseback, independent, riding over a hill or across a stream, rounding up cattle, or pursuing horse thieves. The cowboy is a true American icon.
What defines him? In addition to his lifestyle, the attire of the American cowboy in his daily work has become iconic. Particularly, boots, buckles, and bolo ties have been adopted and upscaled in high fashion and for everyday wear.
Cowgirls, cowboys, or anyone who loves Western wear can put on these iconic symbols of the cowboy, wherever we are in the world. They are always associated with the American West and dreams of how to be a cowboy.
The Author
Jim Arndt is a nationally recognized advertising and editorial photographer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work has been exhibited in galleries in Minneapolis, Santa Fe, Taos, Austin, and Paris, France. His clients include Wrangler, Ronnie Dunn, Dodge/Ram, Winchester, Marty Stuart, Coors, Harley-Davidson, Marlboro, and Chevrolet. In addition, Jim has taught at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. Arndt’s publications include The Cowboy Boot Book, 100 Years of Western Wear, Art of the Boot, Cowboy Boots, Art of the Cross, Art of the Buckle, Art of the Skull, Art of Turquoise, How to Be a Cowboy, and Buckaroo Boots.
Product details:
Publisher: Gibbs Smith
Publication date: September 9, 2025
Language: English
Jacketless Hardcover: 144 pages
ISBN-10: 1423669045
ISBN-13: 978-1423669043
Item Weight: 1.55 pounds
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 9 inches
Order on Amazon (Affiliate link)
All images courtesy of the publisher via Amazon.
(This article includes Amazon affiliate links and product.)
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