Jan 31 2009
Aretha Franklin’s Hat Becomes Inauguration Fashion Statement
The hat worn by R&B legend Aretha Franklin while singing “America the Beautiful” at Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration seems to have become a cultural fashion statement.
The hat has been a hot topic in fashion discussions since the new president took the oath as the nation’s chief executive on Jan. 20, and may now follow First Lady Michelle Obama’s inauguration ball gown to the Smithsonian.
Luke Song, who designed the celebrated head piece for the Queen of Soul, says he has been inudated with requests for the hat. But, he states that sending the original to the Smithsonian is something that he is contemplating.
“I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a strong crowning moment in history,” she commented to New York Magazine. “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.”
Aretha’s custom-made version of the $179 hat cost over $500.
