Cillian Murphy’s role as gangster Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders sparked a flat cap craze, but his new part as J. Robert Oppenheimer in biopic Oppenheimer is shifting attention to the fedora. Retailers report fedora sales are up 21% over flat caps as Murphy’s iconic hat in the film creates a demand for the retro style.
Murphy worked closely with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick to choose the perfect fedora to capture the physicist’s signature look. As Mirojnick explains, “Oppenheimer was very particular about his appearance. The hat embodied his power and was as memorable as Freddie Mercury’s teeth.”
Unable to find the original, Mirojnick commissioned custom versions until Baron Hats nailed the precise shape, fabric and silhouette. Made from soft beaver felt, the flexible hat with a wide brim was tricky to fabricate. But once completed and perched on Murphy’s head, Mirojnick knew “it was perfect.”
Now Murphy is inspiring audiences to channel Oppenheimer’s sharp sense of style. The bespoke fedora defines the character’s outline and completes his look. Expect demand for the old school hat style to keep rising as Oppenheimer hits theaters.