Spur of the Moment

Spur of the Moment: Iconic Styles of the American West explores the historical and cultural influences of Western-inspired design. Featuring the McCracken Research Library’s exceptional photographic and archival collections, alongside loans from partners including Levi Strauss & Co., the exhibition pairs photographic images of practical and adorned garments with striking examples of clothing and accoutrement from the past to today, illustrating the timeless allure of western dress.

James Bama (1926-2022), George Horse Capture (Aaniiih), 1983. Black-and-White Photograph. MS 243 James Bama Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of James and Lynne Bama. P.243.48338.

Ken Blackbird (b. 1956), Boots, Spurs, Chaps, Fringe, Cody Stampede, Cody, Wyoming, 2009. Digital Photograph. MS 426 Ken Blackbird Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of Ken Blackbird. P.426.05376.

Get hands-on with the West! The exhibition invites visitors to feel the textures of authentic Western fabrics at an interactive touch wall, then unleash their creativity by designing a magnetic Western outfit of their own.

Burke-Koretke Photo Chicago, Portrait of William F. Cody, ca. 1907. Black-and-White Photograph. MS 006 William F. Cody Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. P.69.0019.

Ken Blackbird (b. 1956), Cody, Wyoming Pow-Wow, 1989. Kodachrome Film. MS 426 Ken Blackbird Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of Ken Blackbird. P.426.08606.

Vince Dillion, 101 Ranch Cowgirls, ca. 1902-1912. Black-and-White Postcard. MS 006 William F. Cody Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. P.69.1908.

Ken Blackbird (b. 1956), Fritzler Girl, Crow Fair, Crow Agency, Montana, 1999. Kodachrome Film. MS 426 Ken Blackbird Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of Ken Blackbird. P.426.02583.

Unknown, Dude Children, N. A. Black-and-White Photograph. MS 14 Irving H. “Larry” Larom Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Donation of Irma Larom (Mrs. Irving H. “Larry” Larom). P.14.01.

Ken Blackbird (b. 1956), Hats, Cody Stampede, Cody, Wyoming, 2009. Digital Photograph. MS 426 Ken Blackbird Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of Ken Blackbird. P.426.05392.

Ken Blackbird (b. 1956), Boots and Spurs, Cody Stampede, Cody, Wyoming, 2009. Digital Photograph. MS 426 Ken Blackbird Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of Ken Blackbird. P.426.05374.

James Bama (1926-2022), Untitled (High School Rodeo, May 23-24, 1981), 1981. Black-and-White Photograph. MS 243 James Bama Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Gift of James and Lynne Bama. P.243.00446.

Space Cowboy: Justin Timberlake’s Iconic Style

Straight from the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives, Justin Timberlake’s unforgettable metallic vest and jeans from *NSYNC’s “Space Cowboy” era have landed in Cody! These iconic Levi’s® pieces, worn on the No Strings Attached and PopOdyssey tours (2000–2001), show how pop music gave Western style a bold new twist for a new generation. Step into the spotlight, relive the Y2K energy, and see how the glitz of pop collided with the grit of the American West—only at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Spur of the Moment runs from October 25, 2025 through March 15, 2026 in the John Bunker Sands Gallery at the Center of the West.

The Fabric of the West: How Fashion Tells a Western Story

Western fashion tells a story—of heritage, individuality, and the spirit of the West. In her latest blog post, Spur of the Moment: Finding Myself in Western Fashion, Susan Fletcher, Housel Director for the McCracken Research Library, explores how this timeless style continues to inspire new generations while honoring its roots in the landscapes, people, and traditions of the American West.

Buckle Up, Cowboy: How the Western Belt Buckle Became an Icon

Archivist Cassandra Day of the McCracken Research Library dives into the story of how the Western belt buckle evolved from practical gear to a proud symbol of heritage, artistry, and identity. Read her latest blog post, Buckle Up, Cowboy: How the Western Belt Buckle Became an Icon, inspired by Spur of the Moment!

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