Cultural Manifesto

Rhinestone-studded suits and colorful embroidery are hallmarks of classic Western wear—a tradition immortalized by artists like Porter Wagoner, Lefty Frizzell, and Little Jimmy Dickens. Indianapolis designer Jerry Lee Atwood carries that spirit forward with custom pieces that have appeared in Vogue magazine and in the wardrobes of Post Malone, Lil Nas X, Diplo, and Charley Crockett. A new exhibition of his work opens at the Eiteljorg Museum on March 28. WFYI’s Kyle Long spoke with Atwood to learn more. They discussed his early years growing up in Lafayette, his work with the punk band Candidate, and how a job at an Indianapolis coffee shop led him to designing Western wear.