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The Fez - Can a Million Shriners Be Wrong?
Most classic hats are inevitably somehow adapted by a modern subculture group. For example, hipsters have adapted the fedora in their circles, and hippies love their berets. Not to mention, of course, the fashion-victimized celebrities who adapt the trucker hat and cowboy hat for their own personal use.
However, the fez is the one hat that truly has not been picked up by any clique. This is truly tragic because the fez is certainly one unique hat! While there is no real "statement" in wearing a cowboy hat or beret, a fez on the red carpet would be quite original and inventive.
From Greek Warriors to Little Monkeys
A fez is a small, symmetrical red cap that sits on top of your hat. It typically has a little black fringe that dangles from the top. Today, it is essentially only worn by performing monkeys, but not all fezzes are miniature.
In fact, the fez originated in Ancient Greece. It was never meant to serve a purpose, but rather to simply act as a status symbol. However, fezzes later became popular amongst Islamic men, as they required a brimless hat that allowed them to press their heads to the ground while praying.
In regions like Turkey and Somalia, the fez was briefly used as a military headdress, but it later turned out not to be practical. It is not understandable how that conclusion would have to be arrived at via trial and error. Red is not a color typically conducive to camouflage.
Today, the fez is occasionally used as a uniform piece in veterans' clubs, but most of these groups tend to opt for a uniform beret or cowboy hat.
The Modern Fez
Of course, there certainly are people around the world who still wear fezzes, including in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, the trend has not caught on in Europe or America.
While the fez was performer Tommy Cooper’s trademark, it is not as frequently seen in today’s society. In modern media culture, the fez is usually placed on a character to demonstrate their goofiness, silliness, or relaxation.
The only popular Western rock star who can be seen wearing a fez these days is Russel Hobbs from the band Gorillaz. However, Russel is a fake drummer in a fake animated band, which makes him a bit of a fake rock star. Subsequently, no popular celebrities wear a fez – which may explain why no ordinary folk wear fezzes either. This trend definitely needs to be set by someone. Here's looking at you, Ashton Kutcher! |
