January 26, 2009 | 1:22 pm

Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration Hat Inspires a Line of Toppers

Jason Reed/Reuters/Landov

Michelle Obama’s look won’t be the only fashion statement to live on past last week’s Inauguration. Selling like hotcakes are $179 versions of Aretha Franklin’s distinctive hat with its Swarovski rhinestone-rimmed bow that the Queen of Soul wore to sing “America” at the swearing-in ceremony. The hat’s designer, Luke Song of Detroit’s Mr. Song Millinery, tells the Los Angeles Times he’s sold thousands since its debut on national TV. While Aretha’s hat was a customized version, Song will be responding to demand by producing a collection of 12 hats in a variety of colors and bow sizes, priced from $150-$220. The Aretha-inspired collection will be shown during February’s Women’s Wear in Nevada trade show in Las Vegas. The company sells its hats in over 500 U.S. stores. and while they usually doesn’t name their toppers, this collection will be named after the singer herself. If you’re dying for a hat like Aretha’s, click over to mrsongmillinery.com for contact info. Tell us: Would you wear a hat like Aretha’s?

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Barbara Marsh

Love your hat, Aretha! It’s so YOU!

ModRepub

Frankly, I think it’s embarrassing.

Danny

Seriously? I laughed when I saw her. She looked like a huge Christmas ornament in the stupid hat!

Valerie

It takes a woman with confidence to wear a hat in this country. Aretha, woman, you rocked it.

NaT

That hat is beautiful…she looked amazing!

I love you ReeRee

That hat is so, like really great,
It looks like a Minnie Mouse original
Only a real queen would be bold enough towear something as smashing as a large gray bow, with
Swarovski-Crystal, It is Be U tee Ful!!

Lauren

That hat was fitting for a queen and an event of that caliber. She looked great! A total throwback to when people got dressed up for big events!!!

Noreen

She looked atrocious. An old hag like her couldn’t pull it off, someone like Sarah Jessica Parker would definitely look good with it

Veronika

Dear Madame Aretha:

You have demonstrated the perfect image of
a genuine American Woman.

Your rendition of “America” was truly an
expression from the heart and soul;
you have touched Americans to
feel the RESPECT for this wonderful country.

Your ensemble represented the elegance that
Ms. Aretha so beautifully conveyed.
Of course, I LOVED the “HAT”!!!!!!!
You were a “CLASS-ACT” all-the-way!!!

Thank-You for being there
during this moment in history!!

Veronika

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Joelsa

I thought this hat served a function purpose (very cold temperatures) in addition to being stylish. This hat is a little driving ms daisy with extra bling. Totally befitting a “queen”

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Edited by Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

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