Independence Day - A Story of Nudie Cohn
America has given us some of the greatest (and worst) Menswear moments. Many of the most interesting have been created by Ukrainian-born Jew, Nudie Cohn known as "The Rodeo Tailor".
His name might not be familiar, but if you have even a passing interest in American music, you will no doubt have seen his famous Nudie suits, ranging from (our personal favourite) Gram Parsons’ marijuana-leaf masterpiece to Elvis Presley’s outfit of glitzy gold lamé.
Drawing inspiration from burlesque stage shows, Cohn’s business boomed in the years preceding World War II, a golden time in American culture. Superstars like Bob Dylan, Cher, David Byrne, John Wayne, and John Lennon all loved his wild outfits - the gaudier, the better: Happy Independence Day.
There's a great YouTube video by Vice that delves into Nudie's life and backstory: Meet Cowboy Fashion Designer Nudie Cohn
View more Dispatch posts
Back to DispatchObituary: The Jaffa (1927–2025)
Orange-coated. Chocolate-centred. Regionally divisive. We mark the passing of the Jaffa - not just a spherical sweet of uncertain charm, but a cultural shorthand for that most polarising of beings:...
Fast and the Formulaic - New F1 Movie Disappoints
I managed to see the new F1 movie this week - more like Fast & Formulaic. It trundles along a well-worn track—predictable plot, cardboard characters, and emotional beats you can...
Rendered Futures at Objectspace
I visited Rendered Futures at Objectspace this week — a considered and quietly powerful exhibition that brings together drawings from over fifty Aotearoa architects, spanning generations and disciplines. What’s striking...