A Tale of Two Styles: The Surprising Connection Between Napoleon and Texas Wrestlers’ Mullet Haircuts
The ongoing trend of the “mullet” haircut in 80s-set films and beyond has brought attention to its historical and cultural significance. From the Von Erich brothers in the film “The Iron Claw” to Paul Barras in “Napoleon,” the mullet has made a remarkable comeback on the big screen.
According to fashion historian Jessica Glasscock, the mullet has ancient origins, possibly dating back to the 8th century BC. Its modern iteration is associated with countercultural figures like David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the punk movement of the 1970s. The hairstyle’s subversive nature symbolizes rebellion and a rejection of elite norms. In revolutionary France, the mullet emerged as a statement against the powdered wig worn by the upper classes.
The mullet’s journey through history took a turn in the ’80s and ’90s, becoming a cliché of rebelliousness, according to Glasscock. However, recent depictions in films like “The Iron Claw” and “All of Us Strangers” have brought out the vulnerability and complexity associated with the hairstyle. In “The Iron Claw,” the Von Erich brothers’ mullets are seen as practical and symbolic of their personalities. Meanwhile, in “All of Us Strangers,” the haircut adds ambiguity and narrative value to the character’s story.
The resurgence of the mullet has also transitioned into real life, with people embracing the textured and versatile hairstyle. Designers and stylists predict a growing interest in textured mullets for all genders.
Ultimately, the mullet’s timeless and rebellious nature continues to be celebrated and embraced, promising a bright future for this groundbreaking haircut.