Cillian Murphy, renowned for his roles in Peaky Blinders and now Oppenheimer, has proven to be a trendsetter in the world of headwear. While his portrayal of the ruthless gang boss Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders led to a surge in the popularity of old-fashioned flat caps, his latest role as the “father of the atomic bomb” in Oppenheimer is now fueling a rise in demand for fedoras.
Major retailers such as John Lewis have reported a 21% increase in fedora sales compared to flat caps, and specialist hatters Herbert Johnson have noticed a growing interest in this classic headpiece among younger demographics.
The hat worn by J Robert Oppenheimer in the biographical thriller played a pivotal role in the character’s iconic image. Ellen Mirojnick, the film’s costume designer, along with Murphy and director Christopher Nolan, carefully selected the perfect fedora to capture Oppenheimer’s rock star persona.
Nolan specifically requested that no other characters in the film be dressed in hats, highlighting the hat’s significance in defining Oppenheimer’s unique style. The process of finding the ideal hat was no easy feat, as Mirojnick had to commission a hat maker to recreate the distinctive design seen in historical photographs.
The hat, a cross between a fedora and a porkpie hat, was crafted from undyed beaver felt to ensure it was lightweight and perfectly tailored to fit Murphy’s head. After months of meticulous work, the final hat was unveiled, leaving Mirojnick confident that it perfectly completed Oppenheimer’s silhouette and made a bold statement in the film.
As Cillian Murphy continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances, it is evident that his influence extends beyond the screen, shaping fashion trends and redefining the appeal of classic headwear for a new generation.
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