In the enchanted land of New Mexico, where aspen mountain scapes meet desert streams, lies a small town called Arroyo Seco. Tucked away from the tourist-laden path, it boasts a natural organic co-op, a vintage clothing shop with roots in Boise Idaho, and a catch-all emporium called Santos Y Mas. Within its walls, local arts and crafts mingle with tourist trinkets and thrift store finds.

It was here that I stumbled upon a jacket like no other, adorned with quotes and symbols that spoke of irreverence and freedom. As I lifted it off the hanger, I couldn’t contain my glee. Chuckles burst forth and filled the shop, while the friendly owner looked on with a knowing smile. With a mirror in hand, I retreated to the back room, where reclaimed homewares cluttered every corner. I tried on the jacket and it fit perfectly, as if it were made just for me.

As I looked in the mirror, I was reminded of the counter culture that had once invaded Taos in the 70s, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and autonomy. The book “What Artists Wear” by Charlie Porter echoed in my mind, documenting the way contemporary artists dress and how it informs their identity.

In this nurturing space, where diverse cultures commingle and inspiration flows freely, I realized that the jacket didn’t have to be an identity I clung to, but rather something I tried on for size. It was a reminder to embrace the hippie attitude of just trying things out of our comfort zone, whether they be profane or sacred, wild or psychedelic. In such a landscape of opportunity, failure’s cliff doesn’t seem as steep. We can leap off into refreshing waters and emerge with new perspectives.

And so I left Arroyo Seco with a memento of the art scene in New Mexico, a jacket that spoke of liberation and creativity, and a newfound sense of freedom to try on new things, like a jacket.