The Tamesis
With her Rodeo Bodeo series, Emily Adams Bode Aujla offers a vision of small-town America that offers a respite from the evening news. But note that the designers weren’t keen on cultivating nostalgia; Instead, she said, “I just like to think about the past and live in the present.”
Still, the bodhran she conjures for autumn has a storybook appeal. It’s easy to imagine it as home to red barns, horse stables, 4-H shows where kids win ribbons, and Blue Jeans and Chaps competitions like the one the designer entered as a child riding her beloved blind American pony Checkers. His experience as a retired barrel racer led her and her team to research the history of rodeo events and costumes. The result is a collection that goes beyond Western wear to include references to costumes, clowns, circuses and practicality.
“Rodeo is so much fun because it’s a sport that really comes from work,” notes the designer. “It’s an opportunity for people across America to show off their expertise in different ways, like ranching or roping skills.” The brand’s collaboration with Levi’s continues that story, with jeans being the quintessential American workwear. Bode comes in two washes; designers call those styles with side embellishments (jewelry, copper, or ribbon) “button jar styles.” As her brand approached its 10th anniversary, she started thinking about Bode’s basics, so trusty favorites like pajama sets, sailor pants, themed sweaters and prints, and embellished modern dresses emerged.
For men, narrow suits are eye-catching, as are black tie variations, such as wearing a tuxedo with a plaid Western shirt, or wearing a belt and side-striped trousers with a T-shirt. Many styles are repetitive and there are different styles for both men and women. Designed especially for her were a floral bra inspired by crepe paper garments, an intricately embroidered and fringed jacket, paired with sheer black pants embellished with gold sequined flowers. The clothes are not designed for sailing in the cans (barrel racing is “the only regularly recognized women’s event in professional rodeo,” according to show notes) but for stylish evening wear in and around the Bodran.
