In the last couple of weeks I’ve heard the word “Countrypolitan” maybe five times, even found myself using it in casual conversation at a party last night.

What is “Countrypolitan?” The term has often been used to describe “pop”ular country music. I just saw Ray Price perform (more on this later)…Mr. Price is old school “Countrypolitan”. Singing songs about misery and love gone wrong…no longer with yodels or twangs of his early days, but a nice looking suit and a smooth voice and style…still improving with age at 79.

You can see “Countrypolitan” now emerging in cowboy boot design. Country music has always supplied Western glamour. “Countrypolitan” is glamour without the “bling.” The new Lucchese Stiletto Boots are a good example. These cowboy boots have tall tops, collars, pointy toes, wrinkles and toebugs, but they take a fashion detour with their 3 1/2 inch heels, and sleek stage soles. They are “cowboy boots” only upon second glance….at first they look are mainstream…that’s countrypolitan. Even without exotic hides, rhinestones or metal tips these new boots takes sides with form not function. They pay tribute to their country roots, but from a safe distance.