ReTales: Xavier Granandos, Manager of Boot Star

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Rugged, handmade boots, leather coats with fun-for-fall fringe, and handcrafted silver jewelry. It all sounds more modern chic than urban cowboy and Xavier Granados, manager of Boot Star, likes it that way. Sure, the store looks like a frontiersman’s fantasy, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of goodies for us present day wild westerners to incorporate into our far less functional wardrobes.

Why this store, here on Sunset?
Because it’s associated with high-end shopping, close to hotels and heavily trafficked. Having a store on Sunset is cooler than, not to talk shit, but like Robertson. It’s considered The Strip.

What’s been flying off the racks?
Our more basic stuff sells. Or the more extreme stuff, like the skull prints.

What are you most excited about in store right now that maybe isn’t flying off the racks?
I would say the crocodile leather for ladies. I love it, but it doesn’t fly. Most women won’t spend $3,000 on one pair of boots. They’ll spend that much on a bunch of pairs, but not just one. But it’s the most unique. A customer had seen the crocodile skin on a Chanel handbag and wanted a pair custom made out of it, so we found the guy who made the leather for Chanel.

You have $100 to shop anywhere in LA—where do you go?
American Apparel for T-shirts.

Make it $1,000.
American Rag for jeans.

Crocs: for or against?
Oh, I hate them. Hate them.

Classy pumps are to Christian Louboutin as cowboy boots are to:
Stallion. They are the Bugatti of cowboy boots. He [Pedro Munoz] does stuff for Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and Dior.

What do you guys have against stilettos?
They aren’t cowboy boots. They look hot on chicks, but we only sell cowboy stuff.