While Beyoncé received praise for her hat game at the Grammy's this weekend, it was Tyler, The Creator who stole the show with a fluffy white ushanka-hat, under which he was hiding leopard print hair.
Following in Pharrell’s footsteps, Tyler made his hat the centerpiece of an already eye-catching getup, incorporating the ushanka into a fit made up of a Louis Vuitton scarf, baby blue Supreme overcoat, and custom Le Fleur Converse.
However, apart from the fact that the hat is of Russian origin and looks like something you'd bring back from a school trip to Moscow, not much is known about ushanka-hats.
Ushanka literally translates into “ear flap hat” in Russian, which is exactly what it is: a fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied to the crown of the cap or fastened at the chin to protect the chin, jaw, and ears from the cold.
Originally a military hat, the ushanka was developed to provide extreme protection and comfort during the frigid winter months in Russia and other former USSR nations. The hats are often made using inexpensive sheepskin, rabbit or muskrat fur. Some are also produced using faux fur.
Due to its military use, the ushanka quickly became a symbol for the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation. Nowadays, most Western countries, including the United States and Canada, have their own version of the ushanka, mostly worn by police in areas with a cold winter.
The ushanka also has a strong presence in popular culture as evidenced by South Park’s Kyle wearing a green one in the animated sitcom.
In related news, Bruno Mars and his crew wore the best sneakers at this year’s Grammy Awards.
