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. 

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Saddle Bunny Podcast: Equ-WEST-Rian ft. Milton Menasco

LISTEN NOW | Written by Milton Menasco

"The incredible, the iconic, the trailblazer of all trends currently taking WESTERN by storm..."

Whoa, make a brand blush, why don't ya Saddle Bunny?! Our very own Alli Addison joined THE Saddle Bunny herself, Kaitie Blue Kepler of @lifewayward for the best podcast episode we've ever been involved with. Any perhaps our first? Honestly, we cannot recall anymore.

"Joining Kaitie in Vegas was something special, truly," explains Alli. "We started off our NFR crusade during weekend one with Saddle Bunny. It was our first PR meet up of the trip and we couldn't imagine kicking things off any other way. The episode was filled with deeply-rooted secrets, laugh-crying, Kaitie's perfect hair-do, me channeling my inner Lord Farquuad, a formal invitation to Bella Hadid to join us in Vegas and so much more."

"I have a rule that I don't ever listen to my interviews after they are recorded, I do not read any press that was written of myself, nothing. And this has been a long standing rule since I was a teenager. I've always felt that what was said was said and what was done is done, there is no use in going back and reliving it. Buttttttt... this episode, I can honestly say is worth a listen. Even by me," laughs Alli.

LISTEN HERE