BUTTERFLY EFFECT

In a literal sense, the butterfly effect is a term for the phenomenon theory that a butterfly can flap its wings and the resonating results can cause a tidal wave on the other side of the world.

Our interpretation is a little less serious – and a lot more stylish – but it is a representation of one little thing that had a resounding effect on us: mama’s butterfly boots.

They came from Houston’s illustrious Cutter Bill’s Western World, so to us, they were the epitome of en vogue and the height of luxury. Butterflies were ever-present in western apparel and rodeo motifs in that era, from prints on shirts to embellishments and accessories, including the tooling on those iconic moniker belts. And here, our own mama had a pair of flashy butterfly boots from the fanciest fashion house we knew of at the time. They were iconic in our eyes; Audrey wore them for a little while (mama’s little foot was too small for the rest of us) and we actually still have them to this day. Suffice it to say, they had an indelible impact on us, and that fond little memory is spreading its wings this season.

“Of course, I had to make my own version!” laughed Cheryl. “Reinventing Mom’s butterfly boots was an absolute no-brainer for Rhinestone Suits and Cowboy Boots. I mean, they were iconic in our eyes! And this was the ideal opportunity. Butterflies were so ‘of the era’ that we were channeling in this collection, and they fit so well with the vibrant colors and playful motif, that it made a lot of sense to work them into the designs. I really love the way the Butterfly Vibes jacket worked out; if you look at the front, it really does appear as if the butterflies are kind of flittering away up the jacket and over the shoulder, and then the big one on the back, the silhouette aligns perfectly with the yoke trim. It all looks very intentional and appealing, and I just love it.”