Rizzoli Releases 'Bolo: Design, Style, Heritage' by William Matthews
Today marks the release of "Bolo: Design, Style, Heritage" by William Matthews, published by Rizzoli. This book delves into the bolo tie's origins, tracing back to the 1940s in the Southwest, where it gained fame through the craftsmanship of Native American jewelers from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Initially, Indigenous men donned bandanas adorned with shells or silver conches, which later transformed into leather cord bolos favored by cowboys. With over forty years of collecting experience, Matthews shares his personal journey and includes a foreword by Lyle Lovett. The book showcases more than 500 bolos, featuring works by Native American artisans and notable personalities such as Bob Dylan and Timothée Chalamet. Matthews highlights the bolo as a medium of self-expression and a link to its makers.
Key facts
- Rizzoli published 'Bolo: Design, Style, Heritage' by William Matthews, released today.
- The bolo tie emerged in the 1940s in the Southwest and was popularized by Native American jewelers, especially Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes.
- Historically, Indigenous men wore bandanas with shells or silver conches; the bolo later evolved to use leather cords.
- William Matthews is an artist and has collected bolos for over forty years; his father gave him his first bolo.
- The book includes a foreword by actor and singer Lyle Lovett.
- It features photographs of over 500 distinctive bolos, some never before seen or published.
- Styles include turquoise, coral, silver, metal, abalone shell, and petrified wood.
- Celebrities featured include Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet at the 2025 SAG Awards, and Indigenous actor Zahn McClarnon.
Entities
Artists
- William Matthews
- Lyle Lovett
- Bella Hadid
- Beyoncé
- Bob Dylan
- Timothée Chalamet
- Zahn McClarnon
Institutions
- Rizzoli
- Cartier
- Chrome Hearts
- SAG Awards
- Vogue
Locations
- Southwest
- United States