SANTA BARBARA MAGAZINE: Family Ties

Keeping Traditions in Old California | Written by Elizabeth Varnell for Santa Barbara Magazine

Milton Menasco founder Alli Addison and MM mascot eternal 'Louie the Mare' was featured as the cover story in the latest fall issue of Santa Barbara Magazine. "Never in a million years did we expect to be featured on the cover of this fantastic publication, it was a complete dream," explains Alli. With a fantastic story penned by Elizabeth Varnell, photography by the unparalleled fashion photographer Dewey Nicks and creative direction by Gina Tolleson the feature came together with the Nipomo, California historical Dana Adobe as the backdrop. "It all felt very full circle to tell our story right here in this place that has been a part of me for generations," she continues.

"I have this lifestyle, and this is my passion. Horses are my passion."

If you grow up on a ranch, “it’s almost required that you have braids and braces and draw horses all day,” says Alli Addison. The founder of the equine-inspired Milton Menasco lifestyle line (shopmiltonmenasco.com) was raised on generational property in Nipomo that once stretched from the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean. Her great-great-great-grandfather William Goodwin Dana married Maria Josefa Carrillo—the daughter of Alta California’s provisional governor—and became a Mexican citizen to get the land grant. He built the Dana Adobe (danaadobe.org), now a landmark run by a nonprofit, where members of Addison’s extended family lived from 1839 to the 1990s. 

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WESTERN HORSEMAN: From the Editor's Desk

Ariat x Milton Menasco | Written by Amanda Devan for Western Horseman

"April has flown by, leaving behind a historical eclipse and beautiful weather. Spring storms have begun to kick up here in East Texas. The grass is green, the sunshine is warm and the allergies are real. It has been so nice getting back outdoors with the kids, and we have had a busy spring at Western Horseman. Here are a few highlights!"

It’s like the clothing embodiment of the “come and get me grin” before an old-school cowboy does something unexpected.

Photography by Elizabeth Hay for Ariat

I have been a longtime fan of Milton Menasco as a brand. I think the clothes are so classic but still fun, interesting and functional. I was so excited when I heard about their collaboration with Ariat, a brand I also feel is so classically Western but not afraid to walk on the fringe of edgy fashion and collaborate with unexpected and unique creators.

While I was lucky enough to get my hands on the now-sold-out black Giddy Up cap and T-shirt, another favorite of mine from this collection are the Wexford Lugs. These boots easily transition from the barn to town and everywhere in between. They look like a high fashion runway Chelsea boot, but they function like a muck boot with all the durability and comfort Ariat is known for. The boot carries the signature cowpoke emoji that Milton Menasco weaves throughout its entire brand. That symbol brings a spikey youthfulness to this boot that would otherwise be old-money-classic. It’s the perfect combination of old school, new school and work boot. And if the Chelsea style isn’t YOUR style, and you go for something more versatile and casual, check out the Hilo instead. They are so fun, look great with jeans and are comfortable enough to wear all day long.

We are going to see a LOT more of Milton Menasco around the Western and English industries in the future. This is a great opportunity to grab an original, signature piece from two incredible brands!

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DAILY BEAST: Ariat and Milton Menasco Debut...

DAILY BEAST EXCLUSIVE | Written by Layne Van Vranken

The limited-edition Ariat x MIlton Menasco Collaboration was featured this week in an exclusive piece with the Daily Beast. This one is for the Horse Girls.

"Let’s face it: Western wear is having a major moment. Whether it’s Beyonce’s or Post Malone’s foray into country music, the long overdue appreciation for all things boots and fringe on high-fashion runways, or the trendy horse girl aesthetic that’s gone viral on social media, it’s likely you’re seeing a fair share of rodeo-inspired looks out there in the wild right now. For all those in favor of this country-inspired fashion phenomenon, there’s a collaboration you can shop starting today that serves both preppy equestrian and Western heritage vibes. Ariat has joined forces with equestrian-centric brand Milton Menasco to debut a new collection that pays homage to the company’s love for horses."

Photography by Elizabeth Hay for Ariat

The two brands actually share a unique connection through a very specific horse. Alli Addison, owner of Milton Menasco, named the company in honor of her great uncle—a famous American painter known for his equestrian art. Menasco was once commissioned to paint Triple Crown winner Secretariat, the famous racehorse from which Ariat actually derives its name. Honestly, we’re just thankful this sequence of events transpired to bring us this sure-to-sell-out collab. According to Shane Holman, Head of Global Merchandising for Ariat, the two companies approached the collaboration as a play between the English equestrian and Western cowboy lifestyles.

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