While performing on their world tour, Arirang, BTS is taking a bit of El Paso with them.
Members of the international pop group shopped at Starr Western Wear while in El Paso for their sold-out shows and bought cowboy hats. Now the hats are getting a global audience when BTS members wear them on stage.
“It’s an honor anytime visitors from around the world discover El Paso and experience our western culture,” said Enoch Kimmelman, owner of Starr Western Wear. “Starr Western Wear has been outfitting cowboys and cowgirls since 1964, so seeing our hats worn on an international stage is something we’re very proud of – not just for our store, but for El Paso as a whole.”
Employees of the store at 112 E. Overland Ave. in Downtown El Paso, however, didn’t make the connection until videos of the boys wearing the hats in Mexico City started going viral.
“The group kept a very low profile, so we didn’t immediately realize who they were connected to. It wasn’t until photos and videos began circulating online that we recognized some of the hats and styles from our store,” said Jennifer Cedillo, of Leo Marketing, who handles public relations for Starr Western Wear and Shoppes at Solana.
The group purchased several felt hats from Resistol, Bullhide, Justin, Charlie 1 Horse and Cuadra – a mix of brands carried by Starr Western Wear. They also purchased some belts and accessories.
“One of the most talked-about pieces was a red Charlie 1 Horse style that really stood out in photos andvideos online,” Cedillo said.
Cedillo said the staff was incredibly excited to see their hats being worn before thousands of Army in Mexico City. The group performed three nights, May 7, 9-10, at the Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.
“Once the photos and concert videos started appearing online, everyone was texting each other and sharing screenshots. It was a proud moment to see western fashion from El Paso getting international attention,” she said.
Cedillo said the group’s tour stop in El Paso was a boost for business that weekend. They saw shoppers from Korea, Japan, Brazil, Europe, Mexico and of course other parts of the United States.
“It was such an exciting experience for our team. Throughout the weekend, we welcomed visitors from all over, including many fans traveling in for the concerts. Seeing guests from different parts of the world shopping for western wear in El Paso was incredibly special.”
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: BTS wears El Paso cowboy hats on tour after local shop visit:
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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