The humble Pom-pom, and the power of sleep
Design Ideas and Random Thoughts
Read Time: 3-4 min
On my mind:
“Sleep is the greatest legal performance-enhancing drug that most people are probably neglecting.”
— Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
The humble Pom-pom
Let’s begin with something often dismissed as frivolous: the humble pom-pom.
Or not so humble, depending on which century you happen to be in.
The English word came about in the 18th century, borrowed from the French pompon — a term once used for any small tuft made of string, ribbon, feathers, fur, or wool. But it was the military that gave the pom-pom its most authoritative moment. Inspired by the imposing Hungarian cavalry and their tall, dramatic shakos(military hats), armies across Europe began adopting them — not just as decoration, but as a way to signify rank, regiment, or company through colour and size.
Napoleon’s infantry wore them. So did the Polish lancers. What began as ornament became organisation, which is a clever trick for any accessory.
Skip forward a few centuries and we find perhaps the most enduring and theatrical use of the pom-pom in modern dress: the tsarouchi (τσαρούχι). These traditional leather shoes, now worn exclusively by the Greek Presidential Guard (the Evzones), are steeped in history — their design tracing back to Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
Made from tough leather and stitched in a moccasin-like construction, the tsarouchi is distinctive for its upturned toe, crowned by a large black woollen pom-pom. This wasn’t originally for flair: the pom was added to help waterproof the toe seam. Over time, of course, it became a hallmark — almost ceremonial in nature.
And while their formal use is now largely limited to state occasions and national parades, they remain one of the most recognisable pieces of traditional European footwear I think..
This month at Studio Fahy, we returned to the pom-pom with this ballet pump & necklace inspired by the Tsarouchi. There’s something quietly joyful about them and pom pom in general. They offer dimension without weight, and movement without mechanics.
My Recommends this week:
Check out Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
One of the most revelatory books I’ve read in years. It reframes sleep not as indulgence, but as a non-negotiable design tool for the brain. I’ve now gifted it to a dozen people and recommend it regularly!
🔗 Get it here
Till next time…
Know someone who’d enjoy these ideas? Share this to them and invite them to sign up here
👉 share
Let’s grow the conversation on linkedin or instagram below