In our previous two-part blog, we delved into the fascinating realm of gothic westernwear and provided guidance to both men and women as to how to create a head-to-toe ensemble. As a reminder, accessories play a key role in creating a complete and striking look, with tooled leather pieces serving as a particularly excellent stylistic choice that is at once classic as it is modern. That is where Western briefcases & luggage come in.
But, what’s a western goth to do when preparing for a stagecoach jaunt across the high desert plains?
Enter the gorgeously handcrafted designs of Ropin West western luggage. Based out of Southern California, Ropin West is a family-owned small business that offers a wide selection of hand-tooled, high quality leather luggage and bags in several colorways (including a deep espresso brown, perfect for the goth wanting to add a modest amount of color contrast to an all-midnight wardrobe.) Of course, for those that wish to stay true to the gothic “all black everything” mantra, Ropin West also provides their designs in a rich shade of jet black.
Rugged and yet refined thanks to the hand-tooled Mexican leather, Ropin West’s line is unisex and utilitarian, with many of the designs featuring Western-styled silver buckles that add a chic sense of coordination with one’s existing collection of silver gothic western jewelry. As a nod to the Victorian era, the Ropin West line also features an understated paisley lining inside its bags, adding a decidedly vintage touch (without the wear-and-tear challenges that can arise from using a vintage bag on a daily basis.)
To get that “freshly robbed bank” chic, may we suggest the Ropin West valise with false bottom – the bag’s silhouette calls to mind the classic Victorian doctor’s bags of days past, and features a false bottom (perfect for stowing your illicitly earned loot.) Or, since we discussed the importance of the perfect pair of boots to complete a gothic western ensemble, Ropin West also offers a boot bag specially designed to protect your footwear investment for years to come. And of course, there is also a full-sized garment bag for toting the rest of your prized gothic western ensemble. For those of you that crave convenience in mobility, Ropin West also features a roller carry-on with a retractable handle that has recently been redesigned for added durability.
A wide selection of Ropin West western luggage can be purchased on western lifestyle website Dog Jake. As always, we encourage you to experiment and develop your individual gothic western style, and hope that these Ropin West pieces will help to complete your look as you take to the trails.
by Mather Louth. (Mather is lead singer for the gothic western band the Heathen Apostles.)
