John Travolta has fully committed to wearing a beret as part of his public image after drawing attention for the look at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in the month. At the DGA premiere of his directing debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach, Travolta explained that the choice was intentional and tied to how he sees the role of a filmmaker. He said the beret is a classic accessory associated with directors, artists and musicians, and that he wanted a look that reflected that tradition.
Travolta said he began thinking more about his appearance after looking back at photographs from his 50-year career and feeling that the different looks had started to blur together. He said the beret gave him a clearer identity and helped him shift away from being seen only as an actor. He added that he researched old-school directors and noticed many of them wore berets, sometimes with glasses, describing the style as a cliché but one he admired.
The actor said he now owns at least 12 berets and credited the headwear with landing him on several best-dressed lists during Cannes, including Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar. He framed the style choice as part of a broader point about men’s fashion, saying men often have fewer options than women and should feel free to experiment more with clothing and accessories.
Travolta also discussed his daughter, Ella, who has been accompanying him on the red carpet. He said he helped style her look for the event and joked that they could have worn matching berets, but instead chose a Brigitte Bardot-inspired approach. The father-daughter appearances have added to the attention around Travolta’s fashion choices and public image during the film’s rollout.
Propeller One-Way Night Coach is based on a children’s book Travolta wrote in 1997. The one-hour film is streaming on Apple TV+, marking his directorial debut and placing the fashion spotlight alongside a professional milestone. Travolta said his interest in clothes began early, recalling that his brother-in-law worked for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar in the 1960s and dressed him as a teenager. He remembered wearing bell bottoms, wide belts and a double-breasted suit, saying he was aware even then of the influence fashion could have on personal image.
His comments reflect a recurring theme in his career: Travolta’s self-styled public persona has often blended performance, nostalgia and visual flair. The beret, in his view, is not just a fashion statement but a symbol of creative identity.
