On one summer weekend, the mythic California beach town transformed into a “Future West” where workshops full of fringe and fun created lasting memories for cowgirls of all ages. Step inside IRON’s Malibu Cowgirl.
In the golden haze of a California high noon, where the Pacific waves gently kiss the shore, IRON’s latest event, titled Malibu Cowgirl took center stage. The exceptional one-day retreat showcased the finest elements of cowgirl fashion, art, and culture, drawing together an eclectic mix of Western enthusiasts, vendors, influencers, and working ranchers.
Catherine Edwards and Luke Dyleski (PHOTOGRAPHY: Brodie Sweeney)
This unique gathering offered 12 workshops in natural horsemanship, leather-making, equine therapy and Western styling, merging tradition with modern insights. The event was hosted by various female ambassadors, each embodying the spirit of a modern cowgirl: acclaimed rodeo competitor and rancher Catherine Edwards, rising Latin-country artist Mōriah Smallbone, The Voice country music sensation Madison Hughes, as well as actor of two recent Western feature films, Florida Wild and A Gunfighter’s Deal, Tommi Rose.
As the sun set, the evening came alive with live country music in an intimate circle of people resting on hay bales, drinks in hand. Guests enjoyed ranch-style dining under the full moon, savoring flavors of the West from farm-to-table restaurant Sage Regenerative Kitchen.
Mōriah Smallbone performing (PHOTOGRAPHY: Steven Wood)
The highlight of the event was an exclusive cowgirl styling corner, where attendees perfected their looks with the expert guidance of Lena Koch, the C&I stylist who has worked with Ralph Lauren for more than 30 years. Guests accessorized their ensembles with rare vintage treasures from Out West Market, designer pieces from Westerly USA and Western & Co, as well as boots from HYER. Koch skillfully provided invaluable, witty, and enthusiastic insights on pairing outfits with accessories, such as brim biters from Hallet Peak and handmade bolos from the Winged Heart. Her knack for blending traditional Western elements with contemporary fashion made each outfit unique and timeless — and a polished preparation for portrait photographs from award-winning Western photographers Raul Esparza, Laura Ruth Hill, Steven Wood, and Trent Schlamp.
Another standout feature was the leather and tanning traditions workshop led by Shele Jesse of Hollow Bone. Known for her expertise as a horsewoman, rancher, and artisan hide tanner, Jesse delved deep into the traditional methods of leatherworking and hide tanning, showcasing techniques that have been passed down through generations.
[Left] Portrait of stylist Lena Koch (PHOTOGRAPHY: Raul Esprza) [Right] Leather workshop with Shele Jesse of Hollow Bone (PHOTOGRAPHY: Brodie Sweeney)
In a pavilion overlooking the main arena, three cowboy poets encouraged the cowgirls to write a few lines of verse on vintage typewriters, inspired by the distant views of Catalina Island. Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila was served at the Show Pony Bar, a converted horse trailer, while donkeys from Beer Burros wandered among the crowd with saddlebags full of water and beer.
More than a Western fashion and art showcase — IRON’s Malibu Cowgirl was a vibrant homage to the spirit, resilience, and timeless style of the women of the West.
Founder Stefan Siegel told C&I, “The mission behind IRON is to preserve the rich heritage of traditional Western crafts and save it from reaching extinction by matching artisans, makers, and designers with a global marketplace. Our project is only nine months old, but we have ambitious goals to capture a new generation that we call the Future West. IRON’s ‘rodeo’ culture is elevated, animal-friendly, cowgirl-centric, and aims to make the culture of the West accessible and relatable to as many people as possible. Alongside the immersive rodeos, we will soon launch our digital platform giving thousands of American family businesses a chance to reach a global audience, as well as revitalizing physical ranch destinations across the American West.”
Roping lessons (PHOTOGRAPHY: Brodie Sweeney)
The vision of fashion entrepreneur Stefan Siegel, IRON captures and celebrates the enduring American way of life, empowering the crafts at the core of Western culture and preserving the heritage that defines the American West. To that end, IRON hosts meticulously curated rodeos celebrating American and Native American craftsmanship at renowned ranches in Southern California; its latest event in Malibu was a warm, welcome, and inclusive start to that aspiration.
HEADER IMAGE: Catherine Edwards, the face of the IRON's Malibu Cowgirl event (PHOTOGRAPHY: Trent Schlamp)
