Hoosier Western wear designer featured in museum exhibit
- WISH-TV
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is opening an exhibition titled Cowboy Couture: The Fashion of Jerry Lee Atwood on March 28. It highlights the work of an Indianapolis designer known for creating custom Western wear for celebrities and local clients.
The exhibit features outfits, sketches, and accessories that showcase Indiana native Jerry Lee Atwood’s signature chain stitch embroidery and rhinestone designs. Since founding Union Western Clothing in 2013, Atwood has transitioned from a local artist to a designer for stars such as Lil Nas X and Post Malone.
Prior to his career in fashion, Atwood worked as a barista and in a local costume shop where he became interested in historic designs.
In 2013, Atwood partnered with Joe David Walters to found the brand Union Western Clothing. Fry said this partnership allowed Atwood to expand his reach beyond local projects. His work gained significant attention approximately 10 years ago for its intricate chain stitch embroidery and use of rhinestones. The aesthetic of the collection is heavily influenced by mid-20th-century Western designers who created clothing for movie stars and Roy Rogers. Fry noted that Atwood takes this historic look and brings it into a modern context.
“He was doing this chain stitch embroidery and rhinestone covered suits. They’re inspired by mid-20th century Western designers who were dressing people like Rogers and movie stars from the mid-20th century,” Fry said.
Fry says Jerry worked really carefully with each individual he was designing a suit for to make the outfit about their particular story.
“The exhibition includes 17 of Jerry’s full outfits and also some smaller accessories or side items. And these are just incredible to see in person. The details of his embroidery, the rhinestones, photographs do not do it justice,” Fry said.
The exhibition is opens March 28 and runs through Aug. 2. A free Saloon Night event to celebrate the collection is scheduled for July 3 and will be open to the public featuring a Western-themed concert by local band the Indy Annies, plus line dancing. You can buy tickets here.
The museum is located at 500 W. Washingtton St., Indianapolis 46204.
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