1/22/09
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Aretha Franklin's fabulous hat, worn at Barack Obama's inauguration on Tuesday is flying off the shelves and garnering the attention of international papers.

The Queen of Soul's acclaimed hat (pictured), designed by Mr. Song Millinery, is reportedly flying off the shelves in Detroit !

While the hat Mr. Millinery is selling is slightly different, his family owned business in Detroit has reportedly sold tons of the $179 hats since Tuesday.

According to the Detroit Free Press, phones started ringing just minutes after Aretha Franklin finished her distinctive rendition of "My Country, Tis of Thee," a song she says was very difficult to perform due to the weather:

"Yesterday, Mother Nature was not very kind to me. I'm going to deal with her when I get home. It, by no means, was my standard. I was not happy with it, but I just feel blessed because it could have been five above zero or five below zero like it is in Detroit," Franklin shared with CNN.

"Some singers it doesn't bother and others it does. I don't care for it. It affected my voice."

Despite the performance not being her best, Aretha is probably in awe with networks and people who are placing orders for the hat.

ABC's Sam Donaldson immediately shared his view on Aretha's hat saying: 'Live from Washington.. "Aretha Franklin... in traditional head gear".

Franklin's designer, who altered the hat to match Aretha's coat, says "It's an art form for me. For me, hats define a culture." Mr. Millinery says, Aretha's hat is heather-gray, done in wool felt with Swarovski crystals.

By the way, if you'd like your own 'Queen of Soul Styled Inaugural Hat,' you might be in for a wait as people across 'the pond' in England have already placed orders.

Cute that she's getting coverage over it. Too bad she wasn't pleased with her vocals.

Copycat said:

Traditional what??!!

that hat looks like a christmas hat box

RipHer2Shreds said:

Big, ornate hats are very tradional in the black community, especially among chuch ladies.

SCNDLS said:

Sure, but traditional "headgear" makes it sound like she was wearing a damn helmet. I mean it comes close to that but still.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Well, it is a dude describing it so that explains the language.

I loved that hat. I'm being 100% sincere.

ToraToraDreams said:

Me, too! She wore the mess outta that sucka.

People are so fucking stupid.
When I was watching the Inauguration, I was thinking, "Who the fuck would wear that?"
And America answered.
[Edited 1/22/09 18:50pm]

Loved the hat!

Loved the vocals!

My "Home-Queen" worked it!!!

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

yes she did

She sounded like crap. Even she knows it:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/U...index.html

I believe the hat is on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum till the end of the month.

Yeah, the cold has always affected her voice badly which is why she always DEMANDS that the air conditioning is turned off at ALL of her live performances. I know, I thought I was gonna pass the hell out when I saw her awhile back.

SCNDLS said:

Yeah...that's something that should be disclosed at time tix go on sale. I would not be havin that.

johnart said:

Picture this: Dallas in July 100+ degrees outside. My face:

SCNDLS said:

That's only because she wants to wear those spaghetti straps

bboy87 said:

Bboy, if you post her pimply saddle bag titties ONE mo' gatdamn time, I'ma hurt you.

SCNDLS said:

bboy87 said:

I mean, I ain't challengin' you or nuthin. . . but I'm just sayin'. . .

SCNDLS said:

That's right! You can't argue with Victor muthafuckin Newman!

bboy87 said:

bboy87 said:

Oh Sweet Lawd NOOOOO!

I been blinded!

Her stylist hates her fuckin guts.

SCNDLS said:

I'm watchin' Y&R right now

I wanna be like Victor Newman when I grow up

bboy87 said:

The Young and The Restless?

LOL.

SCNDLS said:

I'm starting to collect mine now.

DiamondGlove said:

Troll much, Dear?

Ottensen said:

You already getting ready for your time as "Mother of The Church"

Ottensen, did you grow up in the states or in Europe?

That hat is in all the forums, except PM&M.

bboy87 said:

Chile, please. Midwestern & NE United States. I didn't move to Europe 'til I was grown. My parents were born in the deep south, and my maternal grandma was an old skool, holy rollin', church organist, so you KNOW she didn't play when it came to hats!

I've been collecting vintage fedoras for years now just because of the fashion aspect. But I'm ready to start collecting my wedding and funeral hats now!


You know they're big hat fans in the UK, but here in Germany not.at.all. I used to live in Italy and the Italian ladies rock big hats there too. My ex-boss there (a chief fashion editor) has made it very clear to me that when I have my first child, not only is she the self-declared Godmother, but she and her co-horts will arrive at the Christening "ina BEEEEG HATS!!!!"

The irony is that I really am an adidas/converse street wear kinda chick for everyday clothes. But baby, you give me a wedding or a horserace to go to and I AND my HAT will show up to the celebration and turn that.shit.OUT