With Great Enthusiasm, We Present the 2025 Jennie Montana Fall Collection
I started out thinking about how brocades have been used in Western garb since the Victorian era. Jacquard fabrics became popular with dressy western wear in the mid-1850s, especially by men who wore brocade woven vests and waistcoats made of silk, satin, or gold and silver threads. This became part of the saloon culture, and also as a way to show you were a person of means in banking, politics, or business.
You might remember The Wild Wild West western series, which ran on CBS between 1965 and 1969, and featured Robert Conrad as secret service agent James T. West, along with his sidekick, Artemus Gordon, played by Ross Martin. They often wore richly patterned brocade vests of shimmering fabrics that evoked sophistication while still grounding the characters in Western flair.
With this history in mind, I looked for rich, detailed brocades that I could adorn with bison trim. I wanted a simple shape so the fabric could fully express its richness in pattern and design. I chose a kimono-style collar as a nod to Montana's Asian influence during the gold rushes, as well as to our decorative yet casual lifestyle.
These brocades are meant for special occasions such as weddings, speaking engagements, or an elegant dinner. BUT, being a Montanan, you can pull on a pair of well-worn boots, jeans, and a T-shirt, throw a Jennie Montana brocade duster on, and be AMAZING for any occasion.