Essay 587 • May 18th 2025
- by Braylen Dion
When it comes to cowboys and cowgirls, it's important for me to show what may not look traditional is highlighted as we reclaim and put a spotlight on stories that have been overlooked. Putting Black models in the center of the western aesthetic was so important, not only just for the adornment, but showing the beauty and grace that comes with it.
My name is Braylen Dion and I am a filmmaker and photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. I started out doing short Youtube videos when I was eight years old and photography at twelve years old. My purpose is to capture blackness in a more soft or calming way.
Website | Instagram
Stylist: Esmae Duran
Hair Stylist: Olivia McGriff
Makeup Artist: Melissa Drouillard
Fashion Credits: HEIRA, Lucas Scheuer, Anonlychild, HARDCORE, Maison Margiela, Calvin Klein, Frye, JW PEI
1st Scene
Liyah
COW PRINT COAT – HEIRA
DENIM DRESS – Lucas Scheuer
WHITE BOOTS – Calvin KleinKareem
TOP – Anonlychild
VEST & PANTS – Lucas Scheuer
RING- Confessional ShowroomAmani
BURGUNDY TOP & PANT- Lucas Scheuer
BOOTS- FRYE
COW PRINT COAT – HEIRA
DENIM DRESS – Lucas Scheuer
WHITE BOOTS – Calvin KleinKareem
TOP – Anonlychild
VEST & PANTS – Lucas Scheuer
RING- Confessional ShowroomAmani
BURGUNDY TOP & PANT- Lucas Scheuer
BOOTS- FRYE
2nd scene
LIYAH
HAT – Vintage
JEWELRY – Vintage
TOP- AnOnlychild
LEATHER OVERALL – Lucas Scheuer
BOOTS – Calvin KleinAMANI
TOP – HARDCORE
DENIM – Lucas Scheuer
SUEDE CHAPS – Vintage
BOOTS – FRYE
HAT – Vintage
JEWELRY – Vintage
TOP- AnOnlychild
LEATHER OVERALL – Lucas Scheuer
BOOTS – Calvin KleinAMANI
TOP – HARDCORE
DENIM – Lucas Scheuer
SUEDE CHAPS – Vintage
BOOTS – FRYE
3rd Scene:
LIYAH
TOP, SKIRT & COAT – HEIRA
SHOES – JW PEIKAREEM
LEATHER FRINGE COAT – Vintage
BOOTS- Maison Margiela Tabby
TOP, SKIRT & COAT – HEIRA
SHOES – JW PEIKAREEM
LEATHER FRINGE COAT – Vintage
BOOTS- Maison Margiela Tabby