One of the unsung stars from President Barack Obama‘s Inauguration this past Tuesday is gettin’ some love from the world of Fashion this week. Aretha Franklin, my Detroit homegirl, sang a powerful rendition of My Country Tis Of Thee just before Obama was sworn into office (the first time, not the second time) but it was her auspicious headwear that kinda stole the show. It turns out that Aretha went to milliner Luke Song, who bases his company in Detroit, MI, for a hat to wear to the inauguration and was provided with the flamboyant hat that had everyone talking (er, Twittering) as soon as she took center stage. Women’s Wear Daily reports on how Aretha met her hat and just who is Luke Song:

Aretha Franklin might have garnered lots of attention singing “My Country This of Thee” at the inauguration, but it wasn’t only for her voice. One question was on the minds of millions – what was she wearing on her head? Turns out a collaboration between the artist and Detroit-based milliner Luke Song. According to Song, Franklin came in to his Detroit showroom last week looking for a special hat for the big day. “She’s our regular customer and comes to us often,” Song said. “She actually had three to choose from for that day, but went with her second choice. It probably looked better on camera.” Franklin donned a heather gray wool piece that Song had hand-molded to give it some serious shape. The trim and ribbon were decorated with Swarovski crystals and would run in the regular collection for $179. For those who don’t get up to Detroit too often, Song wholesales under the label Mr. Song Millinery throughout New York, California and much of the South. “We’re big in Southern states but being in Detroit is good for us,” Song said. “There are a lot of big stars that come through to this town – gospel singers, lots of big-name church people who want to wear big hats. Some big names come through Detroit.”

As much as I like Justin Gaston‘s new choice in headwear, I really have to give props to Luke Song on this masterpiece. At first, I was a little WTF? about the hat but it has since grown on me. Aretha rocked it right (tho, President Obama looks pretty slick in it as well) and I’m very happy to know that Aretha chose to wear a Detroit designer to the Inauguration. Click HERE to check out Luke Song‘s official website to see the other wares available from his Detroit-based Millinery. Don’t be surprised if I dress up as Aretha Franklin for Halloween this year ;) After the jump, because it was such a stirring rendition, check out video of Aretha Franklin performing My Country Tis of Thee at this week’s Inauguration …

Werk it out, gurl! Aretha is the Queen of Soul. Too fierce, for words … and she’s from Detroit, y’all. Woot!

[Source, Source, Source via ONTD!]