From Ranch to Runway

It all started with a question that sisters Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means couldn’t get out of their heads: Why are there no traditional cowboy boots available made specifically for contemporary, every-day closets?

Having grown up in Valentine, Texas on their family’s fifth-generation cattle ranch, boots were a staple in each of the sisters’ wardrobes and a norm in their community. But after moving to New York to pursue careers in finance and fashion respectively, they were hard-pressed to spot the footwear in their daily lives on the East Coast. Yet the sisters found that when wearing their own boots around town, they were often stopped, questioned and complimented.

That’s when the lightbulb went off. Not for lack of demand, a clear gap in the market still existed for boots that were geared toward the fashion-minded while retaining the look and feel of vintage cowboy styles.

“We finally got to the point where we couldn’t stop talking about it, so we decided to put out a few feelers,” says Duplantis. “Our idea gained so much momentum that we knew the timing was right, so we went for it.” With that, the duo quit their jobs, headed back to Texas and embarked on a journey that would eventually take their work to the pages of Vogue and Elle.

Miron Crosby arrived on the scene in 2017, and the following year Western style skyrocketed to popularity throughout the fashion industry, with trends making their way to designer runways and collections from Dior to Versace. Since then, the Dallas-based luxury boot boutique has swiftly become the go-to source for high profile clients and shoe lovers around the world. And while the overwhelming support has been incredible, it’s not always a bed of hand-stitched roses. “Our biggest struggle is balancing our inventory with demand. The response to our line has been amazing, so scaling to meet our customer’s needs has been a learning curve,” notes Means.

Releasing two collections each year, Miron Crosby offers a variety of sizes and styles for men, women and children (including the most precious set of pint-size baby booties you’ve ever seen), all made in Texas. Afterall, when looking for a trusted bootmaker to perform perfectly-executed designs, who better to turn to than family? All of Miron Crosby’s products are made exclusively by Rios of Mercedes, a company which happens to be run by the sisters’ cousins. In the manufacturing business for over 160 years, each boot is artfully crafted at the Mercedes, Texas facility by hand. While you’re more likely to spot these kicks hitting city pavement than farm roads, the utilization of long-standing traditions have created a brand as steeped in authenticity as it is in family history.

Even the label’s name holds rich meaning: “Miron,” a tribute to and play on the name of their great-grandfather Marion Otis Means, and “Crosby,” a cross between the names of an inspirational street from their New York City neighborhood and a pasture on their hometown ranch.

While finding influence in everything – from travel to art to fashion trends – Duplantis’ and Means’ West Texas upbringing remains a constant source of design inspiration. “We feel so lucky to have grown up on the ranch always surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Big Bend area,” Duplantis explains. “The plethora of quality family time (we didn’t have many neighbors!) informed not only our aesthetics but also our relationship.” On the shelves of their studio illuminated by natural light, beautiful patterns of playfully-embroidered prickly pear and saguaro cactus sit next to sparkling stars and crescent moons reminiscent of country night skies. Although their personal picks are always changing, the sisters agree that the Margretta and Meredith are current fan favorites.

Plus, along with the already refined design options, the intricate boots are completely customizable. Selecting from one of six body styles, shoppers can choose from an array of leather colors and exotic skins, add monograms and have unique messages transcribed and sewn into the boot lining for a personalized finish.

What it’s like running a company with a sibling? “We love the other dimension it has added to our relationship,” Means happily replies. “We’ve gone from sisters to best friends to business partners – and there’s always a lot of laughter. We can’t break up or get divorced, so we’re in this together!”

With the Fall 2019 collection starting to ship, keep an eye on Miron Crosby’s events calendar for upcoming pop-ups and trunk shows across the country.

As Seen On…

Gigi Hadid

Last October, Vogue released an article featuring model Gigi Hadid sporting none other than Miron Crosby Margretta caramel and champagne boots.

Elizabeth Chambers Hammer

The TV personality, Bird Bakery owner and native Texan was spotted at Miron Crosby’s private anniversary dinner this May donning her own pair of crème on crème ankle boots.

Jaime King

In March, Miron Crosby teamed up with Erin Feniger Maggio of Rialto Jean Project to create limited edition paint splatter boots, dubbed “Splattered with Love.” At the festive fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, actress and model Jaime King was seen joining in on the fun and hand-painting her very own pair.