Fashion trends of each historical era have their own distinctive features. For example, during the USSR, the dream of almost every Soviet citizen was a fur hat, but today not many people know what this legendary thing is made of. The headdress came into fashion with the rise to power of Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev and immediately became a symbol of elitism.
What is an accessory?
The Pyzhikovaya hat is a legendary headdress of the Brezhnev era. The name of the hat gives a hint as to what it is made of – from the fur of a young reindeer. This wardrobe item was considered quite rare and difficult to acquire. Therefore, this headdress was worn mainly by the elite – wealthy people, representatives of high ranks.
The design can easily determine what the model of the fur hat was called. This headdress was called ushanka due to the presence of turn-down earflaps that could be tied on the top of the head, the back of the head, or hanging freely.
The original fur hat has a number of advantages, so it was popular among both men and women. The amazing shine of natural fur gives the headdress unrivaled beauty. The fur color is predominantly brown, and can be dark or light. The hat keeps you warm even in the most severe frosts, which was especially important given the winter weather conditions in the USSR.
What kind of fur is a murzyk?
Not many modern fashionistas know what fur hats are made of. A fur hat is a baby reindeer. Its fur is quite soft, elastic, and thick. Due to this, it is easy to cut and sew. The skin of one animal has dimensions of approximately 30-40 by 50-60 cm. The following were used to make the headdress:
- One skin. All the parts were cut strictly along the spine. The spine part was used to create the visor, the neck part was used for the "ears" and the occipital element, the rest was used to make the under-face components of the headdress.
- Two skins. The direction of fur growth is of primary importance. The most beautiful and high-quality fur is used to create the front part. All other components of the headdress are made from the remaining materials.
Today, it is not possible to buy an original murrelet hat. At one time, there was quite an active hunt for reindeer and their cubs. As a result, the number of animals decreased catastrophically. To save the species from complete extinction, it was decided to include them in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.
However, fans of fur hats with earflaps should not be upset. There is a very worthy replacement. More affordable muskrat or beaver fur is used for production. Although it differs in appearance, it still retains heat well, saving from severe frosts.
Historical excursion
Reindeer hats appeared even before the formation of the USSR. During the times of Tsarist Russia, this headdress was present in the wardrobe of students of the law department of the Imperial School, located on the Fontanka in St. Petersburg. Young students wore green uniforms and reindeer hats with earflaps, visually resembling a siskin. They were jokingly called "siskins-pyzhiks". It was this image that was used in the creation of the famous Soviet-era song of the same name.
The Twelfth World Olympiad is also in some way connected with the deer fur hat. In 1956, every single Soviet athlete was dressed in this expensive headdress by order of the members of the Central Committee of the CPSU. In this way, they sought to emphasize the power and wealth of the prosperous country.
Reindeer fur hats became especially popular during the reign of L. I. Brezhnev. The leader loved hunting and furs. Therefore, setting an example for others, he introduced a fashion for an expensive headdress, which became a symbol of the political elite and the entire era. Ordinary citizens only dreamed of wearing such a wardrobe item. However, this was virtually impossible. After all, the goods were not displayed on store shelves. The hat was awarded as a reward for special achievements and merits.
Unscrupulous black market sellers quickly got their bearings in the current situation. They made money by selling fakes. Rex rabbit fur was used to make them. Soviet people bought and proudly wore these hats, confident in their authenticity. Only a specialist who knew all the features of reindeer fur could distinguish the original from the fake.
The fur hat was initially positioned as a man's headdress. However, it became so popular that rich women also sought to get their hands on it. Externally, the models were practically identical.
With the change of the country's leadership, changes occurred in the entire way of life. This also affected fashion. The demand for fur hats decreased. Over time, the methods of harvesting and processing expensive fur were lost. The pie-shaped hat with small lapels, made of cheaper materials, became relevant and popular.
Trace in art
The Soviet era is over, but the memory of it remains in numerous films that have become classics of the genre. The famous fur accessory is present in many of them. One of the striking examples is Konstantin Voinov's film "Hat". The plot is built around the dream object of Soviet citizens - a fur hat. The main character is a writer. His dream came true: he became the owner of the legendary headdress. However, the happiness did not last long. It soon turned out that it was an ordinary rabbit. The nervous shock led to a heart attack.
And how many photographs of that time exist, where representatives of the political elite are captured, and each one has the famous ushanka hat on his head. At that time, there was a humorous riddle that clearly characterized what the Soviet era was like: "Why do the Pyzhiks stand still in the USSR, and the Bunnies walk?" The answer becomes obvious when analyzing any parade in those years, when all the leadership was in "Pyzhiks", and the marching column in "Rabbits".
The beloved movie "Girls" also did not ignore the fashionable accessory of that time. The heroes made a bet, the winner was to receive a reindeer headdress as a prize. Thus, it can be said with complete confidence that the hat made of reindeer fur is rightfully a symbol of an entire generation.
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