StyleWatch Style News Now

Style News Now

The Smithsonian Institution Requests Aretha Franklin’s Inaugural Hat

01/30/2009 at 04:09 PM ET

Jason Reed/Reuters/Landov

Michelle Obama’s now-famous Jason Wu gown isn’t the only piece of Inaugural fashion that is headed for the Smithsonian. The museum is also requesting the now-iconic hat that Aretha Franklin wore while singing at the swearing-in. Aretha, however, is still undecided about parting with her Luke Song-designed hat. “I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history,” says the Queen of Soul. “I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama.” Aretha’s hat has already inspired a line of toppers, recreating her custom version in different colors and bow size. If Franklin decides to donate the hat to the museum, it will become part of an exhibit of President Obama’s Inaugural display along with Michelle’s gown. Tell us: Would you like to see Aretha’s hat in the Smithsonian?

Your Reaction

Follow Us

On Newsstands Now

On Newsstands Now

Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Oklahoma Tornado: Heroic Rescues
  • Michael Douglas on Catherine's Health

Pick up your copy on newsstands

Click here for instant access to the Digital Magazine

Advertisement

Add A Comment

Got something to add to this post? Fill out the fields below to make a comment, ask a question or share a tip. We'd love to hear from you.

Note: If this is your first time commenting on Style News Now, your comment will need to be approved by our moderator before it will appear. Thanks for your patience, and check back again soon.

Comments + Add a comment

Showing 55 comments

For Ladies By Ladies - The Fate of Aretha Franklin's Hat Hangs in the Balance | on February 5th, 2009

[...] People magazine reports her saying: [...]

C. RAY on February 5th, 2009

I think all the people that said Aretha’s hat was ugly ect. should be ashamed of themselves. Some things are better left unsaid. It was a proud day for Americans (especially Black Americans). I think Aretha looked great!! Aretha is a middle aged Black Woman–that is the style, and it was a cold day. It was very attractive and it had real rhine stones. If I were Aretha, I would keep it a year and then give it to the Smithsonian.

Shackelton on July 15th, 2010

Great Post

Surprising inauguration fashion: Scalia’s hat, Hatch’s hat, Ashley Biden’s shoes | Yebhi Shoe India on January 22nd, 2013

[...] it’s the women who turn heads with their inaugural headgear — think back to Aretha Franklin’s monster bow in 2009, or Hillary Clinton’s flying-saucer hat in 1993. But this year, the men stepped it [...]

  Surprising inauguration fashion: Scalia’s hat, Hatch’s hat, Ashley Biden’s shoes – Washington Post (blog) by insuranceforyourcar on March 16th, 2013

[...] it’s the women who turn heads with their inaugural headgear — think back to Aretha Franklin’s monster bow in 2009, or Hillary Clinton’s flying-saucer hat in 1993. But this year, the men stepped it [...]

Next | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Show All
 

From Our Partners