Santa Fe has its own particular brand of high-desert eclecticism: earthy, artistic, a little eccentric, and deeply rooted in place. Native American and Hispanic traditions mingle with westernwear and silver-mining town references, layered with the influence of generations of artists and free spirits drawn to the incredible landscape and light. The vibe is rugged but refined—worn-in denim, beautifully weathered leather, plenty of turquoise and silver—and everywhere you look there’s an appreciation for things made by hand, from woven textiles to ceramics. Here, a few ways to channel the Santa Fe spirit, wherever you are.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s personal style was as modern, original, and pared back as her paintings: essentially, a uniform of black wrap dresses and smocks accessorized with a Calder brooch, slip-on moccasins, and wide brimmed hats.
The crisp fall air and roasting hatch chilis this time of year at the farmer’s market make us want to bundle up in an Overland shearing coat, a local brand founded in 1973 by the Leahy family in Taos, who’ve had a location in Santa Fe for 50 years.
Chunky silver and turquoise jewelry is so Santa Fe coded, owing to the natural mineral and stone deposits in the area, which were transformed by Spanish metalworking and Hopi inlay techniques (and the jewelry proliferated thanks to the trading posts along the Santa Fe Trail).
Nothing says American West like a great pair of jeans. Buck Mason’s selvedge denim has a perfect worn-in look that will only soften with wear (maybe on horseback?)
Traditional Zuni “fetishes” are small carved animal figurines—bears, eagles, wolves—said to carry the protective spirit of the creature they represent, and make the best gifts.
We love a statement belt, and this silver arrowhead buckle is so good.
The handmade moccasins by Japanese designer and Visvim founder Hiroki Nakamura are pricey but incredible—he threw himself into learning the traditional Native American craft to create these modern urban homages.
Ceramics by Kimmy Rohrs at Whiskey and Clay are basically the Southwest in a bowl—we picked up an earthen vase on our last trip.
Shiprock’s collection of vintage Navajo rugs and blankets, dating to the late 19th century, are almost too beautiful to use.
These Sezane boots look the part.
The scent of burning pinõn brings us right back—we love this local brand, available online.
Midcentury interior/graphic designer and Santa Fe local Alexander Girard was an obsessive collector of folk art and toys; he donated his vast collection of objects to the city’s Museum of International Folk Art. For a deep-dive on his fascinating life, the monograph of Girard by designer Todd Oldham covers his entire career, from sketchbooks and travel photos to his designs for the likes of Herman Miller and Braniff Airways—so many of which were inspired by southwestern motifs.
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