How Ruth Bader Ginsburg Turned the Scrunchie Into the Ultimate Power Play

Today, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg turns 85. As we commemorate her battle against gender discrimination and her ascension to one of the most powerful political positions in the world, why not also take a moment to salute her sartorial choices—be it the infamous dissent collar or her signature black robe and lace doilies, which inspired the costumes of many a feminist-in-training this past Halloween. But though these accoutrements have come to symbolize the heroine, there’s one above-the-neck constant that predates even her 24-year tenure: the tried-and-true scrunchie.

There it was, bright and blue, holding back her ever-perfect ponytail as she accepted the nomination for Supreme Court Justice in 1993, and there again during her confirmation hearing a month later. At a 2000 black-tie gala, Ginsburg wore a silver-striped variation—one that reappeared eight years later when she and then-President Barack Obama shared a moment together at the Capitol. Whether dark and demure or patterned and prismatic, the circlet has continued making appearances throughout her career—most recently at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where Ginsburg, the subject of a new documentary, once again uttered the words that have now become so revered: “As long as I can do the job full steam, I will do it.”

And while the polarizing scrunchie has surged in popularity as of late thanks to the likes of Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid, and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, who recently released a $195 leather version, it’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Notorious RBG, who can be thanked for proving that no matter the occasionally tongue-in-cheek cultural sentiments towards the hair accessory, it will always be a power play in its own right. Here’s to fighting the good fight—scrunchie in tow.