When we talk about western fashion, one of the first brands that comes out is Stars & Stripes. It might be funny for those clueless in this matter to know that one of the best cowboy fashion brands is… German!
But, with more than 35 years of history, the high quality of its products, and the extraordinary variety of its extensive catalog, with more than 500 references, have converted Stars & Stripes into Europe’s top western brand, distributing its products to almost one thousand specialized dealers.
Stars & Stripes, history of a young dream
With only 19 years, Robert Kastori, current Stars & Stripes CEO, and at that time a young car mechanic, travelled to the United States. He lived there for almost one year, as he explains, “living like the cowboys”, going from one place to another working in farms. During a visit to Mexico, came to his mind the idea that could be interesting to sell mexican clothing at Reutlingen, his home town. Short time later he came back to Germany with the idea of taking part of the “American way of live”.
Once at home, started his small business in a garage, but his father convinced him to open a store. Hi did so in 1982 at the center of Reutlingen. There, he sold jeans, shirts, t-shirts and hats designed and produced in USA. He barely covered the costs, but in short time gained good reputation and customers from all the area came to his shop.
In 1984, a “friend” gave him the chance to sell his products in a truck show in Karlsruhe if he paid him 300 marks (about 150 euros). He load all the stuff in his caravan with trailer and went there with his wife. When arrived to the show nobody knew nothing, so to allow selling he was asked to pay 500 marks more. Kastori assumed the risk and paid again. That weekend in Karlsruhe he collected 8000 marks (about 4000 euros) and discovered new customers. For years he dedicated to drive from one show or festival to another, where was the only one selling western fashion.
With the time, his caravan became too small, and in 1986 invested 50.000 marks on a big truck. The engine was from 1978 and the trailer from 1963, but he decorated it with some eyecatching images from the Death Valley and for 15 years was the star of hundreds of festivals.
In 1988, after acquiring big experience in retail business, Kastori founded Stars & Stripes, created a small catalog and started with wholesale. During that time, some competitors appeared in the big festivals, so he made several deal agreements to supply them as well. Until 1998 he combined retail and wholesale. But since then only sold merchandise to other retailers with the brand Stars & Stripes.
In 2006, the company moved to Kirchentellinsfurt, where, since then, is located brand’s headquarter. 2100 square meters that comprise the warehouse and offices. The clothing is no longer imported from USA, it is designed in Germany.
Nowadays, the main designer is Simon, Robert’ son. And Michaela, his wife, is the person in charge of the annual catalog. For that, the whole family flies to United States, where photo shooting takes place at Monty Roberts’ ranch, author and horse whisperer.
Europe’s leading western fashion brand
Stars & Stripes base are cowboy and cowgirl clothing and accessories: belts, suspenders, handbags, jewelry, hats and more. But its product line has expanded to include other similar styles such as rockabilly, line dance, or 40’s and 50’s fashion.
Its wide offer and product’s extreme quality has made Stars & Stripes to establish as Europe’s number one in cowboy fashion and international market benchmark. Furthermore, it has been able to make a name in the show business. Music groups and famous actors and actresses choose their wardrobe and accessories at Stars & Stripes; TV channels and producers contact them to dress their stars.
There is no doubt about this brand’s importance and impact in the western fashion world..
Stars & Stripes at Corbeto’s Boots
Evidently, as western clothing and accessories specialized store, in our catalog can’t miss the excellent products from Stars & Stripes and, we can proudly say that our two family business also started a journey many years ago: since twenty years ago, Corbeto’s Boots is Stars & Stripes official dealer in Spain.
Whether if you visit us at Las Ramblas or check our online shop, will find the best from Stars & Stripes in Barcelona. From western shirts to leather vests, from cowboy hats to fringe jackets, from leather belts to men and women cowboy boots and ankle boots as well as genuine western accessories. Come to see us to complete your authentic cowboy or cowgirl look!
Stars & Stripes brown crushable felt cowboy hat
Stars & Stripes Confederate flag cow leather belt
Stars & Stripes mens western black shirt with ochre embroidery
