Sign in to wowOwow

Enter the email address that you used when registering at wowOwow.
The password field is case sensitive. Click here if you have forgotten your password.

Please register for wowOwow

Newsletter subscriptions
Sign up to receive wowOwow's weekly newsletter and get our best picks delivered right to your inbox. Our newsletter content is hand-picked by the wowOwow editorial team and provides the top features, news, and commentary from our site. Subscribing to our newsletter is free and safe. We will never share your email or other information with a third-party without your direct consent.
By registering, you indicate that you have read and agree
with our privacy policy and terms of service.
Home › Entertainment

Entertainment | 02/02/2009 8:30 am

Aretha Hat Headed to DC Museum?

By The Staff at wowOwow.com
© AP

Aretha Franklin’s infamous Swarovski-incrusted Inauguration hat may be donated to the Smithsonian’s Museum of American history in Washington.

Smithsonian officials say they’re "delighted’’ that Franklin’s considering donating the hat she wore while singing "My Country ‘Tis of Thee" on January 20 during the historic swearing-in of President Obama. Museum spokeswoman Valeska Hilbig told The Baltimore Sun: "We have a large collection of American history that includes music and pop culture and this just makes sense.”

But word has it the Queen of Soul hasn’t exactly made up her mind about her Luke Song-designed piece. "I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history," she says.

Meanwhile, designer Song has been busy making replicas of the now-iconic item. Song said since January 20 he has received about 3,000 requests for the hat; it would retail for about $500. He’s also creating a less-pricey replica made of satin — also with a bow, of course — that will sell for $179.

Now the real question: Where would you wear that hat? And can you pull it off?!

Read more about: Aretha Franklin, Barack Obama, Hat, Inauguration, Museum, News, Obama Administration, U.S.

20 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Belinda Joy
That is simply a ridiculous idea! True, she looked silly in the silly hat. That is not a surprise, Aretha is well known for her beautiful singing voice AND wild and outrageous style of dress. But to place what was clearly a punch line for millions in what is a scared (in my opinion) institution like the Smithsonian’s Museum of American history, is just ridiculous!
By Belinda Joy on 02/02/2009 8:48 am
DeBúrca obj
I think it’s there as a symbol of the day… the first African-American president, Aretha Franklin singing at the Inauguration proudly and symbolically wearing a traditional African-American Sunday hat… there are lesser things in museums!
By DeBúrca obj on 02/02/2009 10:27 am
Belinda Joy
That should be “sacred”
By Belinda Joy on 02/02/2009 8:49 am
C Hardy
I agree with Belinda…Please dont put that hat in the Smithsonian…I didnt like the hat when she wore it and would not like to see if when I visit the Smithsonian…Let Aretha keep it for her own memories…I really can’t believe there are women out there who want that hat…
By C Hardy on 02/02/2009 8:53 am
N P
Oh no, Aretha wore that hat; it didn’t wear her. She looked great. But there’s one problem. She’s gonna have to fight Lorraine Bates for it!
By N P on 02/02/2009 8:56 am
Libra Lady
Absolutely not!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Libra Lady on 02/02/2009 9:08 am
caj p
Who would want that hat to be seen anywhere again it was hideous? I thought it was an awful choice of hat and it would have been better served just left in the store where it came from.
By caj p on 02/02/2009 9:40 am
Grande Camper
No the hat does not belong in a museum. I liked the hat on her because it showed her style. She was different than everyone else there that day.
By Grande Camper on 02/02/2009 9:42 am
DeBúrca obj
I loved that hat! It was so celebratory, so “Aretha” and such a nod to African-American Sunday hats!
By DeBúrca obj on 02/02/2009 10:01 am
Lee Harrison
I, too loved the hat and loved that she wore it. DeBurca, you must see the play “Crowns” when the opportunity arises. It’s all about the tradition of Sunday hats.
By Lee Harrison on 02/02/2009 1:38 pm
starry Nite
DeBurca, You are right that it is an African-American tradition . It is dying out amoung younger croud but the older ladies carry on. I heard the hat maker couldn’t keep up with the orders aafter Aretha’s appearance. Ellen DeGeneres ordered one and wore it on her show.
By starry Nite on 02/02/2009 10:15 am
Victoria Victor
Right you are starry Nite. Hats such as these are referred to as “Church Lady Hats”. They are a part of the culture of African-American Women. Aretha Franklin IS and has always been a “Church Lady.” She still often sings in her father’s Detroit church choir. There are many designers who work exclusively for the Af-Am Church Lady. It doesn’t matter whether you like them or not, they are a part of American Culture. We don’t have to like what floats down the Paris runway either. This particular hat has social, political, cultural and historical significance. For those reasons alone it should be in the Smithsonian. I personally love the hat and hope that some day it may be found in the Smithsonian, when Aretha Franklin is finished wearing it. I have my own spectacular hat for wearing to special events.
By Victoria Victor on 02/02/2009 2:30 pm
Buh- Bye
that thing should be in a museum… of the absurd.
By Buh- Bye on 02/02/2009 11:37 am
Roger from Ohio
The icon is Aretha Franklin, not the hat. The hat was absurd and the big bow reminded me of a bridesmaid dress. The hat isnt all that impressive, but Aretha Franklin singing was….. that is why the hat should be in the Smithsonian beside a big poster of Aretha Franklin wearing that hat.
By Roger from Ohio on 02/02/2009 12:38 pm
EKA -
Once again, DeBurca and I are on the same page. I, as a white woman would look ridiculous in that hat ( picture it on Nancy Pelosi - HA ! ) But it is in the tradition of African American Church Hats, of which there have been documentaries made. And, it was ARETHA, for heavens sakes, if anyone could pull it off, it was she. I loved it !
By EKA - on 02/02/2009 1:04 pm
12next ›last »