Benito Mussolini's Fez - 1938/1943

The Italian Fascist fez was a stiff black felt cap, used as part of the uniform of the MVSN (Volunteer Militia for National Security). Inspired by the Ottoman fez, it was reinterpreted as a symbol of fascist ideology, worn by militiamen and regime officials.

Decorated with gold eagles, braided cords, fringes, and side insignia, it conveyed authority, hierarchy, and political identity. While similar in shape to the North African fez, it was different in color, decoration, and militarized context.

The most iconic piece is Benito Mussolini’s personal fez, taken by U.S. troops in 1945 from his villa. It features a large golden eagle on a red base on the front, with double twisted cords running from front to back, knotted at both ends.

On the left side is an orange chevron with a black stripe, topped by a smaller golden eagle. The top has a black flowing fringe, and the interior is luxurious: brown leather sweatband, cream cotton lining, and a silk tassel sewn inside.

It exemplifies the theatrical and imperial image Mussolini sought to project.