Back in the 1960s, as Robert Redford’s acting career soared, he deliberately chose to distance himself from the glitz of Hollywood by making a home in Utah. Twenty years later, he took charge of the film festival now famously known as Sundance, a name inspired by the Sundance Institute he established in 1981 to champion independent cinema.
Mr. Redford, who recently passed away, played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous acclaimed actors and directors through the festival. Beyond cinema, he also subtly influenced celebrity fashion and brought unexpected fame to the charming local boutiques of Park City, Utah, Sundance’s enduring home.
Held every January, the festival blossomed over the years into a prime showcase where the entertainment industry’s elite flaunted their finest wintry Western attire. Think plush shearling coats, luxurious furs, classic cowboy hats, cozy beanies, stylish scarves, rugged flannel shirts, timeless denim, and an impressive array of boots.
This unique style stood in stark contrast to the haute couture typically seen on red carpets at glamorous events like the Cannes or Venice Film Festivals, according to New York stylist Kate Young, who has styled celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Julianne Moore for Sundance. She noted, “This was a film festival where everyone kind of went as themselves.”
Laura Montecot-Fruth, proprietor of Grace Clothiers on Park City’s Main Street, observed that during Sundance, the entire street transformed into a fashion spectacle. “There’s simply nothing like witnessing people navigate snowstorms in their incredible shoes, boots, and even furs,” she remarked.
While Mr. Redford himself wasn’t keen on the commercialization, the festival undeniably made Park City a hotspot for A-list celebrities and eager brands. This influx, according to Ms. Montecot-Fruth, 60, left an undeniable fashion mark on the city. For instance, Fred Segal, a beloved Los Angeles retailer that closed its doors in 2024, maintained a pop-up presence at previous festivals.
Ms. Montecot-Fruth asserted, “The film festival definitely elevated the local fashion scene. No other event could have introduced that caliber of style to Park City.”
Having lived in Park City since 1995, Ms. Montecot-Fruth recalled her initial job as a hostess at The Tree Room, a restaurant within the Sundance Mountain Resort, which Mr. Redford established after moving to Utah (he sold it in 2020). She described him as “kind and supportive,” adding, “Everybody adored him.”
In 2014, Ms. Montecot-Fruth launched Grace Clothiers, offering a range of mountain-ready clothing like chunky knitwear and jeans for both men and women. During past Sundance festivals, she even leased a portion of her store to the Sundance Institute for merchandise sales. ‘We hosted movie stars, and it could be chaotic with all the onlookers filling the streets. It was truly wild!’ she recounted.
Beyond fashion, the Sundance festival, set to relocate to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, along with Mr. Redford’s influence, also shone a spotlight on Tanner Trading Company. This fifth-generation family business, known for its Native American jewelry and handicrafts, opened a Park City store in 2018. Madilyn Thorpe, 31, the general manager, credits Mr. Redford with popularizing ‘that Ralph Lauren look, deeply rooted in Navajo culture.’
Ms. Thorpe shared, ‘He deeply admired Native American art and textiles. I appreciate how his influence draws customers who seek that distinctive style right into our store.’
Braydan Shaw, the sixth-generation proprietor of Burns Cowboy Shop, a Western wear store in Park City, fondly remembered crafting a special belt buckle for Mr. Redford. This was to honor the occasion when former Utah Governor Gary Herbert officially proclaimed November 9, 2013, as Robert Redford Day across the state.
Mr. Shaw, 46, noted that Mr. Redford ‘truly embodied the spirit of the West.’ He added, ‘Mr. Redford provided a platform for others to display their work and artistry in our town, enriching our community significantly.’
He further explained, ‘We gained exposure from fashion blogs and numerous articles. This brought us a new clientele, including filmmakers, which significantly boosted our business.’ Notably, the team from FX’s modern Western series ‘Justified’ commissioned custom boots for their cast from Burns Cowboy Shop when the show concluded in 2015.
Before Sundance, Park City was merely a quiet mining and ski town, according to Mr. Shaw. He emphasized that Mr. Redford ‘single-handedly launched it onto the national stage.’