Aretha Franklin’s Hat Makes History
Aretha Franklin’s now world-famous Inauguration hat, created by Detroit milliner Luke Song, is on the verge of making US history. The Smithsonian Museum is requesting that Aretha donate her amazingly fabulous hat so that it will be enshrined for all time as an artifact in a new exhibit to immortalize President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration. If Aretha complies, it will be showcased alongside First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugruation dress in the Smithsonian exhibit:
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.
I think y’all know that I am a HUGE fan of this hat and I would LOVE to see it enshrined in the Smithsonian … and I bet I’m not the only one, either:
I haven’t been to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC since my 10th grade school trip back in the day. If this hat goes on display, I would make the pilgrimage to our Nation’s Capitol to see it in person. I doubt the museum would allow visitor to try on the hat but I’m hoping one day to place this hallowed piece of fabulosity on my head. If not the real thing, I’d settle for a reproduction. That is one photo I hope to share with the world one day.
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Tags: Aretha Franklin, Barack Obama, Luke Song, The Smithsonian Museum
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January 30th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Go visit “America’s Attic” aka the Smithsonian, even if the hat doesn’t get enshrined! I come from just outside Washington DC and the musems are amazing. Plus they are FREE! I would recommend going in the early spring though, because late spring is crowded with school trips, and summer is hot and humid :)
January 30th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
He certainly does look fetch in that hat! hehe Nice one Trent.:)
January 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
LMFAO! God, that hat is so ridiculous but if people want it, then whatever floats their boat! Obama should have worn it. : )
January 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I want one of those hats!!
January 30th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
i would go to washington to see the hat.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Iordered that hat in black right from Mr. Song the day after the inauguration. I got it in three days along with a catalog of the other hats they make. It just reminded me of the hats my Pentecostal great- grandma wore every Sunday when I was a kid. I had to have it and it was worth every penny.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Trent,
I so hope you find a reproduction of *the Aretha hat* because I’d love to see a photo of you wearing it…..OR maybe you could photoshop a photo of yourself in the hat? Please??!!??
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
January 30th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
lol The Hat is going places
January 30th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
@Jennifer — I’m gonna get the real thing, somehow :)
January 30th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Stop trying to make fetch happen! It’s not going to happen!
LOL ;)
January 30th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
You crack me up with the usage of the AF hat. Long live the Aretha hat!
January 30th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Trent, your Photoshopping skills have really come a long way! You’re at the top of your game with the wandering Aretha hat. Love it!
January 30th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Trent, seeing the hat pop up on unexpected heads makes me smile every day. Thanks!
January 31st, 2009 at 5:32 am
Hahahaa well done Trent :)
January 31st, 2009 at 9:20 am
trent, i thought you grew up in detroit? how did your 10th grade class take a trip to DC?
i grew up in baltimore, so DC field trips were day trips. but michigan??
January 31st, 2009 at 9:37 am
@kat — I did grow up in Detroit, our trip was longer than a day trip … I think we were there for 3 days? I do remember that my hotel room number was 319, it was hoppin’ :)
January 31st, 2009 at 10:58 am
I totally love what you’re doing/ have done with that crazy hat!!! Hilarious!
February 1st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
They know this hat is hideous, right?
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
I will love to see this hat on you…LOL