Leon Bridges Talks Met Gala, Emmy Awards and Why Cowboy Boots Are Still the Epitome of Texan Style

Leon Bridges is a man of music and also a connoisseur of sophistication – right down to his Texan cowboy boots.

The Grammy-winning artist always inspires legions of fans with his super chic style, both on stage and on the red carpet. It’s no surprise, then, to hear that he was recently busy in New York City to attend the Met Gala along with an upcoming appearance at the 2021 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

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Bridges is based in Dallas-Fort Worth and regularly wears – and pays homage to – true Americana style and has teamed up as a seamless collaboration with arts and crafts aesthetic label Bode for its look to the Met. From head to toe in a cowboy look, the “Beyond” singer strutted the Met stairs as a guest at Cartier, where he opted for a necklace from the jeweler that reminded him of a bolo tie – in a typical Texas shape.

While preparing for the Emmys while simultaneously traversing the country for various performances, Bridges was able to squeeze in with FN for some time to learn about his recent experiences in NYC, current shoe obsessions, and why he only wears boots and loafers.

Can you give us a little taste of the song you will be playing on your upcoming Emmy gig?

Leon bridges: “I’m very happy about it! It’s my first appearance on The Emmy’s. I’m going to play my own song called ‘River’ with my good friend Jon Batiste, who will also play with me. The segment itself is In Memoriam, in which The Emmy’s honors deceased actors and people in the industry. It is an honor to be asked to perform during such an emotional period. “

Can you tell us a little bit about your Emmy look? And especially your shoes, of course.

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LB: “My good friend and stylist Gabriela Tena makes the whole thing easier. We’re still working on it, but I know one of the looks is crystallized [Swarovski] all black fit. I haven’t solidified my shoe choice yet, but I’ll probably choose a loafer or a Chelsea boot. “

You wear a healthy amount of loafer styles. Which label would you call your favorite or favorite label?

LB: “For me, if it’s not a loafer or a boot, I don’t want it. For me, Gucci is the pinnacle of the loafer world. They really do a good job at embodying all of the 1970s aesthetic and I really like their Cuban loafer heels. Gucci is so stupid. “

You recently attended the Met Gala. Tell us about your experience.

LB: “It was my third time going to the Met Gala and it felt like the first time. The theme of the event was right in my wheelhouse [of Americana] and if you think about the idea of ​​menswear, the cowboy look fits this topic perfectly. It was a crazy event and a surreal space to be in and for someone like me – it’s great to be with people I look up to and for them to share this mutual appreciation. At the same time, there were also embarrassing moments because I don’t know a lot of people [in fashion] and I’m terrible at sparking conversations. But it was nice anyway, because for a moment I went into the bathroom and went in and checked; Erykah Badu, Lil Nas X, Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow. I said to myself, ‘Wow, this is an interesting situation here.’ “

What about your appearance? Shoes too, of course.

LB: “I chose an all-bode look [styled by Mac Huelster]except for the hat I was wearing. Since I’m from Texas, it’s important for me to incorporate the Texas aesthetic into my fashion. The powder blue fringed jacket and the black shirt, the black trousers – and the trousers almost had this crystal effect with a few sequins and rhinestones. The shoes were also designed by Bode. My hat was designed by a brand called Kennimer Co. of Houston, Texas. “

The Rocketbuster boots from Leon Bridges.  - Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

The Rocketbuster boots from Leon Bridges. – Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

Courtesy Eric Lagg

How about the feathers on the hat from Dirty Old Hatbands?

LB: “I wasn’t familiar with her and her designs before I saw the ribbons, but that’s one of the main aspects of the hat that put me on, that feathered hatband. It totally reminded me of that wedding of land and soul. You look at Bobby Womack and certain soul artists to really have that western look, and I think that’s reflected. “

With your Bolero Cartier rocks and your fringed jacket and hat you have embodied and honored a real, Texan look. What does Texan style mean to you?

LB: “When you think of the Texan style identity, there are a few things that are important in this whole ‘thing’ – the basics – a cowboy hat, good boots and some denim are the epitome of the Texan uniform. For myself I want to convey that this style is not only reserved for white culture and that you can still be a black man and still be authentic in this style. It was always important to me to integrate this aesthetic into my fashion. “

Leon Bridges wears a Cartier watch and jewelry.  - Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

Leon Bridges wears a Cartier watch and jewelry. – Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

Courtesy Eric Lagg

Cowboy boots are part of your de rigueur. What are some of the best places to find authentic styles in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?

LB: “In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I’d take people to a place called Chieffalo Americana in western Fort Worth. I like their atmosphere because it’s not a puristic western shop, but different things like vintage Gucci belts and scarves and of course cowboy boots. There’s also a place called Doc’s Records and Vintage – it’s a record and vintage shop at the same time. They have a lot of great vintage boots there too. In Dallas I would send everyone to Dolly Python. “

You like vintage shopping and old school brands like Wrangler. Why does that appeal to you?

LB: “It’s all part of my story. I’ve pretty much discovered wearing Wrangler denim. The guy who ultimately produced my album was a huge Wrangler fan and noticed that I was wearing them – the rest is history. Wrangler is the epitome of denim. Throughout history, some prominent people have worn their things. If you look at Martin Luther King, Wrangler is the only photo in which he is wearing denim. I love her denim, which has that sewn-in crease, and her rancher pants are the perfect suit pants. I am happy to work with you. They are definitely one of my favorite denim brands. “

Your album “Gold Diggers Sounds” certainly made an impression this year. Do you think the Grammys are in your future?

LB: “I really hope the Grammys see it as a great album in some ways. I hope the album will get recognition and be eligible for a nomination. The most important thing is that the album as a whole was well received by a lot of people. I hope to be nominated again and if not I’ll go back to the drawing board and you will see how I make great art. ”

Leon bridges.  - Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

Leon bridges. – Credit: Courtesy Eric Lagg

Courtesy Eric Lagg

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