The fez. A seemingly simple piece of headwear, yet instantly iconic when paired with the Doctor Who universe, particularly during the era of the Eleventh Doctor. For fans, owning a fez isn’t just about possessing a hat; it’s about holding a tangible piece of the Doctor’s whimsical and adventurous spirit. The “Day of the Doctor,” the 50th-anniversary special, gifted us with a particularly intriguing fez, one displayed in the National Museum of Gallifrey. This article delves into the details of replicating this specific “Doctor Who Fez,” contrasting readily available versions with the screen-used prop and offering insights for dedicated fans and prop creators.
The quest to find an accurate replica often begins online, and as the original poster discovered, readily available fezzes can be found that bear a resemblance. However, for those seeking screen-accuracy, particularly concerning the “Day of the Doctor” fez, closer inspection reveals key differences. The screen-used museum fez, as observed in high-definition screen grabs from the episode, presents unique characteristics. Notably, the interior appears to be constructed from cardboard, providing structure, while the exterior boasts a vibrant red, felt-like material. This immediately sets it apart from standard commercially available fezzes.
Further examination reveals subtle but significant details. The “Day of the Doctor” fez seems to incorporate a thin stem or loop at the top, which appears intentionally crushed or flattened. Size becomes another crucial factor for accuracy. By comparing the fez’s dimensions to the Doctor’s height (widely accepted as approximately 5’11”), estimations place the museum fez at roughly 4.45 inches in height and 6.4 inches in width at the top. These measurements offer valuable benchmarks for anyone aiming to create a faithful replica.
Commercially available options, such as the Jhats fez, while providing a starting point, present their own set of variations. The Jhats version is often described as having a maroon color and softer edges, contrasting with the brighter red and sharper lines of the screen-used prop. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of vent holes on the top of the Jhats fez, a detail absent from the “Day of the Doctor” museum piece. Despite these discrepancies, the Jhats fez remains a popular choice for fans, offering an accessible and recognizable base for customization.
The original poster’s journey exemplifies this approach of modification and refinement. Starting with a Jhats fez, they embarked on a process of altering its appearance to more closely match the screen-used “doctor who fez.” This involved strategic trimming to reduce the height, addressing the initial 6-inch height of the Jhats fez which was deemed approximately 1.5 inches too tall based on screen-accurate measurements. To replicate the cardboard interior and sharper edges of the museum prop, plans were made to insert cardboard and potentially utilize steaming techniques to stiffen and shape the brim. The goal is to move away from the softer bevel of the Jhats material towards the more defined look of the screen-accurate fez.
The image provided visually illustrates this transformation. The fez on the left represents the initial, unmodified state – likely the Jhats fez as purchased. The image then showcases the result of the initial modification: the removal of a small portion of the plug at the top to create a single, streamlined stem, mirroring the detail observed on the “Day of the Doctor” fez. This “work in progress” nature highlights the dedication and iterative process often involved in creating screen-accurate props. Further refinements, such as trimming the base and addressing the vent holes, are mentioned as ongoing steps in the pursuit of accuracy.
For dedicated Doctor Who fans and prop makers, the quest to replicate the “Day of the Doctor” museum fez is a fascinating exercise in observation and craftsmanship. While commercially available fezzes offer a convenient starting point, achieving screen accuracy requires attention to detail, careful measurement, and a willingness to modify and refine. Whether sourcing a screen-accurate replica remains the ultimate goal, or the journey of customization is the reward, understanding the nuances of the “doctor who fez” from “The Day of the Doctor” enriches the appreciation for this iconic piece of Doctor Who history.
