Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors

ActiveNorth Hollywood, California, USA

BornKiev, Ukraine

BiographyNudie’s Rodeo Tailors was established by Nudie Cohn, born Nuta Kotlyarenko on 15 December 1902 in Kiev, Ukraine. Cohn emigrated from his native Soviet Union at eleven years old, finally settling in New York City in the 1930s following brief stints in various other American cities. Nudie’s for the Ladies was established shortly thereafter, specializing in customized undergarments. Cohn and his wife, Bobbie, relocated to southern California in the 1940s, and soon began tailoring items for locals based on their reputation for high quality craftsmanship and a flashy aesthetic. Their unique garments began to garner increasing interest, leading to the founding of a shop at Victory and Vineland in North Hollywood. The designer shifted his focus nearly exclusively to the creation of western wear, a stylish fashion of the era, and was the first to incorporate rhinestones into cowboy-inspired clothing. His approach was lavish and garish, with suits featuring highly decorative embroidery and imagery. By 1963, the company had expanded to a larger manufacturing facility on Lankershim Boulevard, and became christened as Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors. Nudie suits, as they were known, were expensive and highly sought after by many of the famed film and music celebrities of the time. Each suit was custom made for its owner, with many becoming defining looks, including the famed gold suit he produced for Elvis Presley, which catapulted his status as designer to the stars. Among Nudie’s most notable clients were Robert Redford, Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, Steve McQueen, Dale Evans, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, John Lennon, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Tony Curtis, ZZ Top, America, Hank Snow, Glen Campbell, Chicago, and future president Ronald Reagan. Cohn himself sported his own attire, and was noted for his trademark, mismatched boots. Cohn also collected highly ornate automobiles, many of which he customized himself as “Nudie Mobiles”. Nudie Cohn passed away on 9 May 1984, with the company continuing under the direction of his widow and grand daughter until ceasing operations completely in 1994.