Aretha Franklin's inaugural hat trick
Maybe it's "Mad Men" or all the stingy-brim wearing hipsters in L.A., but hats are back. You only had to scan the crowd of berets and fur trapper caps at the inauguration today to figure that out. Ted Kennedy broke out a fedora and Aretha Franklin -- who has rocked her fair share of amazing headgear over the years -- wrapped her head in a crystal studded bow. The $179 hat, customized with Swarovski crystals, came from Mr. Song Millinery in Detroit where Luke Song has been making ladies dress hats for 25 years. (He wholesales his designs at many locations throughout the U.S., including Brasseur, Donna Vinci, Maxi, PJ's, Hat Library, Jean Nobles and Pam Imports in the L.A. area.) What did you think of Franklin's hat? Did you love it or hate it?
-- Booth Moore
Photo: Ron Edmonds/ AP
Aretha's hat was great! It gave her a regal yet Church lady look. Which she is both a very Regal Queen and a daughter of a Baptist Minister.
I'm sure everyone granny's will want a hat just like it.
Posted by: afreshmusic | January 20, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Loved it. It looked like a crown, and she is the Queen.
Posted by: MaryMactavish | January 20, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I love it! She really looked nice for a change!
Posted by: foxyroxy | January 20, 2009 at 11:48 AM
I loved Aretha Franklin's hat. She is a legend in her own time, and she wore that hat with style and grace. Her rendition of 'My Country Tis of The' brought me to tears. Robyn-Atlanta
Posted by: Robyn | January 20, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I loved the hat. I'm glad that she was conservative and tasteful in dress while making a statement.
Posted by: Millie Burns | January 20, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Loved the hat! She is the Queen and she rocked that hat and made that old staid anthem new and powerful!
Posted by: Sarah Hart | January 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Arethra is so fine in body, mind, spirit, song and hat!!!
That girl has her grove on, big time.
:-)
Emilie
Posted by: emilie123 | January 20, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I loved the hat! It gave her an incredible presence. Befitting the occasion.
Posted by: Anthony J. Namata | January 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Loved the hat! Best look in 10-12 years. Go get 'em Ree-Ree!
Posted by: Samona A | January 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
that is THE best hat I have ever seen. And those can't be rhinestones... not the Queen of Soul, on this day... nope. I'm betting diamonds
Posted by: carly | January 20, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I love Aretha's hat. Aretha has great taste in hats and it suits her well. She is the best dressed celebrity I have seen in a long time and I watch the red carpet events and Aretha looked way better than those ultra skinny celebrities who all compete to wear the same thing.
Posted by: Arethafan | January 20, 2009 at 12:44 PM
I don't think it matters whether I liked it or hated it. She's Aretha Franklin, and can wear whatever she dang well pleases. And for that reason alone, I liked it.
Posted by: Shawn | January 20, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Obviously, someone bought a Bedazzler....but it works on her!!
Posted by: Trey | January 20, 2009 at 12:50 PM
I saw the hat and just said, "You go, girl!"
Three snaps, in Z-formation!
Posted by: Keith in San Diego | January 20, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Aretha Franklin's hat brand is Mr Song Millinery from Detroit Michigan.
Posted by: Lillian | January 20, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Aretha could wear a dead cat on her head as long as she keeps singing.......
Posted by: Fred Harry | January 20, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Aretha was born from the Church.....she has been an integral part of Gospel history, muscial history, and the civil rights movement....she sang for Dr. King in his living room, and at his funeral...she's sung for Kings and Queens, Presidents...and now Mr. Obama....this is traditional wear for an elder woman of the Church....weither you liked it or not.
Posted by: Mahalia White | January 20, 2009 at 01:12 PM
When you are Aretha Fraklin, it's impossible to wear anything that is minimal or demure. She looked like Aretha and the Queen that she is. The hat was appropriate for her and the ceremony. Good for her.
Posted by: Tony | January 20, 2009 at 01:16 PM
aretha franklin "churched" up today. if that's not a church going hat, i'll eat one. she looked fabulous.
Posted by: frieda406 | January 20, 2009 at 01:20 PM
It's great! As others have said, she's the Queen of Soul and can wear whatever she wants.
Posted by: Margaret | January 20, 2009 at 01:32 PM