January 31st, 2009
03:13 PM ET
8 years ago
People: Smithsonian requests Aretha's hat
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/US/01/22/lkl.aretha.franklin/art.franklin.gi.jpg caption="Aretha Franklin performed at Obama's inauguration."]
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.
From CNN Politics
- Melania Trump teases second term as first lady in first interview since leaving White House
- Results are in: Best Balance Transfer card of 2022
- Progressive Democratic House candidates are being hammered by outside spenders ahead of primaries
- The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022
- Who's who in the Michael Sussmann trial
- Biden will travel to Buffalo on Tuesday following mass shooting, official says
I wasn't crazy about the hat, but Arethra Franklin has earned the right to wear whatever she wants. I do hope she puts it in the Smithsonian. It's definitely unforgettable.
I admire Aretha's style! If I could carry off a hat like that, I would! I would love to see it in the Smithsonian, but I would love to see it on Aretha again as well!
Maybe they're having a party and they need something to serve bean dip in.....
A great talent with a very high style hat! Gorgeous! Donate it Aretha. Not everyone gets an offer from the Smithsonian!
The hat is marvelous and she looks good in it. I'd like to put a cool 100G's on it and give it to my moms on Mother's Day.
I imagine it could be called iconic...of course I think the best reason to put it in a museum is so that it won't accidently injure anyone.
"the Emperor wears new clothes"
it's your choice, you are the greatest.
I think it's an audacious, spectacular hat. That said, I think it should be shared. It had jaw-dropping impact on Inauguration Day.
I love a good curator.I hope she does give them that hat. Its epic!
The hat was lovely. Only a woman who truly understand hats can relate to this. Hats are popular accessories in wardrobes for church attire and special events for black women and women of other races.
I knew the minute I saw her standing there in that hat this was going to be a big thing. It was awesome and I hope whoever created it gets rich making tons more of them.
Let Aretha have her hat. If she wants to give it up then let her but if she doesn't want to then she doesn't.
What about the hat I was wearing that day... It was part of history,,, I don't hear the museum people knocking at my door.