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Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration Hat Inspires a Line of Toppers

01/26/2009 at 01:22 PM ET

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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Showing 62 comments

Emilia on January 26th, 2009

Well, at first I was shocked when I saw her wearing this hat. But then again, who are we to judge? If she felt comfortable in it – let her be. No one is asking you ladies to go ahead and buy it for yourself…! Leave Ms.Franklin alone already! :)

lisa92865 on January 26th, 2009

I love Aretha, but anyone who runs out and buys this hat for 180 bucks just because she wore it doesn’t deserve to have that much money to waste. Seriously…in todays society, the majority of women do not even wear hats, so it’ll probably set in your closet forever. And doing something just because a celebrity does it is really brainless. Too many people are followers and not enough are leaders. Get a life of your own, folks. DOn’t buy this silly looking sky piece…buy a few good books or pay down on your student loan instead. This old world needs more educated people and less robots. Thanks.

James Earl Jones Would Like Some Closed Captioning [Feuds] | Gossip Tube on January 26th, 2009

[...] Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration hat, designed by Detroit milliner Luke Song, will be released for general sale in different colors. [...]

uppföljning Aretha och mer radio « Sanna: Mina ord on January 27th, 2009

[...] uppföljning Aretha och mer radio Hoppa till kommentarer Som vi kunde konstatera förra veckan, följde Aretha Franklin inte radioprogrammet Mitt i Musikens tips om att sjunga Chain of Fools vid presideninstallationen häromveckan. Nu visar det sig att hatten hon bar när hon sjöng det patriotiska stycket America eller My Country blivit en hit. Hattmakaren ifråga, med verksamhet i det i övrigt så krisdrabbade Detroit, meddelar glatt att bes… [...]

Biche on January 27th, 2009

To answer the question: no, I wouldn’t wear a hat like that, but I think she pulled the look off well.

Bonnie on January 27th, 2009

I think the hat was beautiful and yes it does take a LADY with confidence, and secure with who she is. Perfect especailly for the occasion. For those that don’t like it that’s why it’s called a choice. Everything is not for everybody. But most of all it’s called RESPECT and respecting someone’s choice. Ellen D. was critical of the hat on her show. She of all people should know how she felt when people critized her for her way of life and choices. Women need to be the first to uplift each other not beat us down for a different style. Think before you speak and put your self in that position.

Lisa on January 27th, 2009

Aretha, you looked FAB U LOUS in that hat.

When I was growing up, ladies wore hats to church, and my grandmother taught me how, when, and why to wear a hat. It is now often considered an old fashioned practice but you just go by a church attended by black women even now and you will see ladies dressed beautifully wearing beautiful hats. You rarely ever see white women wearing hats anymore. I do happen to be white and I was just thrilled to see Aretha (who is so well known her first name is all that needs to be said) dressed so beautifully with that wonderful self confident hat on her head. No matter how old Aretha is, she is an example of grace and class to all women, across all racial and cultural lines. YOU GO ARETHA GIRL!! I have been a fan since I was in grade school!!

Lisa on January 27th, 2009

Let me clarify something, I do not want to be misunderstood that wearing a hat is a race issue because I mentioned black women vs white women wearing them. I do think though that there must be some kind of cultural history to wearing a hat for black women. I do not know what it is or I that is an accurate way to put it. So before anyone has the chance to accuse me of making racial statements, my previous post was not meant that way. Thank you very much.

just cuz on January 27th, 2009

This hat is definitely not for everyone.. I personally wouldn’t wear it because I don’t think I could pull it off. I’m still trying to decide whether or not Aretha did.

Aretha Franklin is a Trailblazer in Christmas Ornament Headwear | CandyKirby.com | Humor Columnist, Pop Culture, Sex, Funny News, It's CandyTV on January 27th, 2009

[...] Aretha Franklin, whose inauguration hat almost matched the size of her ta-tas, is apparently quite the style trailblazer:  $179 versions of the distinctive hat with its Swarovski rhinestone-rimmed bow are selling like “hotcakes.” [...]

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