Boy George, the British pop star who became one of the most recognizable figures in music, has revealed that his famous hat, one of his signature looks, was inspired by the dress of Hasidic Jews.
In an interview with Channel 12 journalist Elad Simchayoff, the 65-year-old singer described a connection to the Jewish people that goes back decades and a fascination with Hasidic dress that began in his youth.
"I used to see the Hasidic Jews and I thought they looked stunning. Their clothes and the hats, you know... one of the reasons I bought this hat is because I thought it was a special look," George said.
The singer, who rose to fame in the 1980s as the frontman of Culture Club and became known for his distinctive style, said his connection to Judaism runs far deeper than fashion. He has been surrounded by Jewish friends since childhood, some of whom have become family to him over the years.
For nearly four decades, George said, he has attended Shabbat meals, celebrated Jewish holidays and even fasted on Yom Kippur as part of a deep engagement with Jewish tradition.
The interview was conducted ahead of his planned performances in Israel next month, during which he also addressed his public support for Israel and the personal and professional price he has paid for it.
The disclosure about the Hasidic inspiration behind his look adds another dimension to his warm statements about the Jewish people, and gives new meaning to the distinctive appearance that made him one of the most recognizable music stars in the world.
