Where Country Music Meets Cowgirl Style

For Catie Offerman, Western style has never been a costume. Long before cowboy boots appeared on high-fashion runways, the singer-songwriter was wearing them while riding horses, bottle-feeding goats, and listening to Bob Wills on her family’s Texas ranch. 

That personal experience continues to shape both her music and Mandriana Bandanas, the accessories brand born unexpectedly after a trip to Italy. Its name, Mandriana means “cowgirl” in Italian, captures the marriage of European inspiration and Offerman’s unmistakably Western roots. What began as a Sunday craft project soon became a growing community centered on creativity, connection, and timeless personal style. 

In what can only be described as a fun and light-hearted conversation disguised as an interview—Offerman’s perfectly authentic Southern drawl makes you feel like you’re an immediate friend—I talked with the artist about the enduring appeal of the bandana, the relationship between music and fashion, and how an unplanned business helped her redefine what it means to live well.

Suzanne Kopulos: You grew up on a horse ranch in Texas, where Western style wasn’t a trend, it was everyday life. How has that upbringing shaped your personal style and the way you present yourself as an artist?

Catie Offerman: My country roots have always been part of me. It was never a choice, a front, or something I was trying to put on, it’s simply who I am. I’ve lived all over the country, from Texas to Boston, Los Angeles, and now Nashville. But no matter how far I go or how “city” I become, at my core I’m still that little girl riding horses, bottle-feeding goats, and listening to Bob Wills records.

That piece of me shows up in everything I do, whether it’s music, jewelry, or the way I dress. I’m a big believer in authenticity and doing what makes you feel the most “you.” There’s only one of you and a million of everyone else, so you might as well embrace your quirks and do your own thing.

SK: Mandriana blends classic Western tradition with a fresh, feminine point of view. What inspired you to create the brand?

CO: Honestly, I wasn’t looking to start a business or identify a gap in the accessories market. Just like music, Mandriana found me.

In May 2024, I was playing a gig in London, and my husband, Kolby, and my dad came along. Afterward, we spent a few days in Italy, our favorite place on earth. In a little beach town, I wandered into a store filled with the coolest accessories made from bandanas. They were unique, unexpected, and completely me.

I immediately searched to see whether anyone in the States was making similar pieces, but aside from a few craft projects and European imports, I couldn’t find much. My dad suggested I experiment with the bandanas I had at home. I brushed him off at first, but a Sunday craft afternoon with my neighbors turned into making 150 necklaces in the back of a van while playing shows that summer.

When I needed a name, I searched for the Italian word for “cowgirl,” and Mandriana was born. The accessories are fun, but the customers are the most meaningful part. They mean the world to me.

SK: Bandanas have long been among the most versatile pieces in American style. Why do you think they have endured?

CO: Bandanas are timeless. I remember my grandfather’s old bandanas and how they became better with age. Those are my favorite kinds of things—like an Alison Krauss or George Strait record.

Everyone is chasing trends and trying to reinvent the wheel, and there’s a place for that. But something always draws you back to a timeless piece. A bandana has that lived-in feeling and familiarity. It’s like a warm hug, and there’s nothing else quite like it.

SK: Your music and Mandriana seem to tell the same story: one rooted in authenticity rather than trends. How do those creative worlds influence each other?

CO: Both have taught me that the more you force something, the harder it becomes. Be different, dare to fail, and do what comes naturally. Most importantly, connect with people. The relationships you build will carry you farther than anything else.

It’s easy to chase more followers, more streams, or more sales. But sometimes you need to step back and invest in the people already supporting you. A friend who owns a successful boutique once told me that 75 percent of her annual income came from just 10 customers. It isn’t always about having millions of followers. Quality matters more than quantity.

SK: Why do you think people from Nashville to New York are craving Western fashion right now?

CO: It’s funny because I’ve never viewed Western style as trendy—it’s simply how I grew up. Now you see people like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid embracing the look in Vogue and influencing fashion on a huge scale.

I think Western style appeals to people for the same reason country music does: It feels down-home, relatable, and warm. It has history, and it tells a story. People are craving things that feel authentic and connected to something real.

SK: What five pieces should someone invest in when building a timeless Western-inspired wardrobe?

CO: A great pair of jeans, probably vintage Levi’s. Although, my dad would argue that Wranglers are better. Add a lived-in pair of boots, an easy white T-shirt, a classic denim snap shirt, and a sharp-looking hat. And, of course, a Mandriana necklace. I know, that makes six!

SK: Whether you’re writing a song or designing a Mandriana piece, what does craftsmanship mean to you?

CO: It means creating something I’m proud of every single time—something I would wear or personally stand behind. I appreciate beautiful things, and when I spend money on a piece, I expect quality, attention to detail, and great customer service. I want Mandriana customers to feel that same level of care.

SK: How has your definition of “living well” evolved as your career has grown?

CO: Mandriana has taught me so much about myself. I used to have a choke hold on the destination, but I’ve realized life may be less about reaching an end goal and more about the journey. It rarely looks exactly the way we planned.

For a long time, my identity was rooted entirely in music: my highs, lows, and everything in between. I had never experienced professional joy outside of it. Finding that joy unexpectedly through Mandriana opened my eyes. It taught me to live with open arms and be more receptive to what life has for me. I truly believe God placed Mandriana in my life before I realized I needed it.

But living well isn’t only about professional fulfillment. For me, it begins with faith, family, my dogs, our baby on the way, good friends, a memorable meal, meaningful conversation, a hard laugh, or visiting someplace new. The little things often mean the most. We all face challenges, but if you can wake up happy most days, I think that’s winning. I’m simply along for the ride.