The backward baseball cap: a style statement with a rich history and a modern resurgence.
In the captivating series Love Story, Ryan Murphy presents a fresh perspective on the relationship between John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette. Within the first 20 minutes, we witness Kennedy Jr donning various caps, each a statement in itself. From a Kangol flat cap to a Yankees cap and a navy baseball cap, his headgear choices are a reflection of his unique fashion sense.
For Kennedy Jr, a public figure hounded by the media, one might assume his cap preference was a disguise. However, he chose to wear it backward, revealing his full face and creating a signature look. This backward cap became synonymous with Kennedy Jr, a symbol of his playful exploration of fashion as the son of a former president and first lady.
Costume designer Rudy Mance understood the significance of this accessory, using it to define Kennedy Jr's character. By pairing formal suits with a casual cap, Mance created a contrast, making Kennedy Jr's style both preppy and relatable. James Lilliefors, author of Ball Cap Nation, describes it as Kennedy Jr's 'high/low' fashion look, a blend of street chic and sophistication.
Nearly three decades after Kennedy Jr's death, the backward cap trend is making a comeback. Millennials and Gen Zers are drawing inspiration from the couple's iconic style, with images of them flooding Pinterest and social media. A particular favorite is a 1996 shot of the duo in Manhattan, showcasing Bessette's elegant slip dress and Kennedy Jr's unique green backward cap.
"All my problems fade away when I see a man in a backward cap," reads one caption, highlighting the allure of this style. It's a look that transcends generations, with celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny embracing the flip and reverse method.
But where did this trend originate? Lilliefors traces it back to the 1800s, when baseball catchers styled their caps backward for practicality. By the 1990s, it had become a signature look for players like Ken Griffey Jr. Off the field, the trend gained popularity through Will Smith's character in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and Fred Durst.
Today, the backward cap continues to evolve. At a recent Ralph Lauren show, models sported brightly colored cotton caps styled backward, showcasing the Polo logo from behind. This trend, now ubiquitous in coffee shops and boardrooms, hints at a desire to move beyond the ordinary. It's a simple yet confident update, a statement that says, "I dare to be different."
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