The German polka beats of Funf Musikmenschen bopped about Oktoberfest at Purgatory, and Ben Tucker cut a lithe, handsome figure in the crowd. Is it possible for a walk to look cordial and contented? Tucker’s stride was as smooth as rain on a windowpane. He’s an eye-grabbing fella and, hot damn, he had a cool hat.
Amidst the din of stein-clinking merrymakers guzzling craft beer, DGO talked to Tucker about his “Saturday morning casual style.”
“This is my roommate’s hat. I went to a costume party last night and wore it. I was Smokey the Bear. I had a big ol’ bear coat and put this on top. It wasn’t a real bear coat. That would be brutal. Really brutal.
I’ll probably keep the hat. That’s how it happens with hats. I’ve never seen my roommate in it. Maybe I’ll trade him one of my hats. I love hats. I think hats are cool. I think more people should wear hats. Funky hats – not just snapbacks and beanies. I feel like hats and how you dress can make people more confident.
My favorite hat is a cowboy hat that was an old family friend’s. I got it when he passed away. It’s fulla stories. I had another hat I loved, but I lost it. I put it on top of my car and drove off. I had bought that hat in London, carried it all the way across the world, and then I lost it here in Durango.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Patty Templeton
