|
Berets ... Tough Guy Hats, Right Prince?
The first signs of berets in history were their use in the Greek military. However, this style rapidly evolved to become quite popular in Europe, and eventually, the United States. The main feature of a beret is the headband, which fits snugly around one's head. However, the hat itself may be capable of being molded to fit a variety of heads.
From Militaries to Parisians
The beret is also popular in the military, but in these uniforms, the brim is usually worn straight from the forehead. Berets are a popular choice for myriad armies and militia groups, as they are easily produced, cheap, and can be made in a variety of different colors. Plus, they make you look like a total tough guy. Subsequently, many elite military units don the beret, including the U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Army Special Forces (also known fittingly as the Green Berets), and the French Commandos.
There are plenty famous traits associated with the beret. The beret has often been associated as the trademark hat of the French. A black to-the-side beret is considered to typically be a badge of patriotism for the French, as is holding a glass of wine or a cigarette.
The beret used as a trophy for championship in the Basque Country's poetry competitions, and in fact, this competition is how the beret began to be associated with poets and artistic types. Intellectuals and beatniks began using berets to distinguish themselves; however, anyone who actually introduces themselves as an "intellectual" or "beatnik" is certainly not to be trusted to make fashion decisions. Berets were also traditionally associated with school girl uniforms, until Britney Spears decided that pigtails were a much better route.
Che Guevera and John Lennon: The Beret that Binds
Plenty of famous figures have relied on berets as an accessory with which to mold their image. Che Guevara wore a beret, and the iconic image of him wearing it has been made famous on t-shirts and posters. However, many of the owners of said memorabilia do not actually have a clear idea of who Che Guevara is.
John Lennon and legendary artist Pablo Picasso, are also iconic wearers of the beret. Modern usage of the beret is not widely seen, and it has not enjoyed cult popularity in the same way fedoras have. Nonetheless, should you venture into a coffee house on their open-mike poetry slam night, you are sure to see one or two beatniks who refuse to let the beret go.
|
