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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Everyone Wants Aretha's Hat

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(Newser) – Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat has been mercilessly mocked by some, but lots of people want one of their very own. The Detroit millinery where Franklin has been a customer for 20 years has been flooded with calls for orders, the AP reports. But Aretha wannabes soon learn that the hand-molded $500 hat isn't for sale—it was custom-designed for her. Instead, customers can order a slightly different version for $179.

“They want the same hat, but they understand it's for the ‘Queen’ only. Ninety-nine percent said, ‘That's fine. I'll get the next best thing,’” said the store owner. “We always make hats for her for high-profile events, so for us, the inauguration really was no big deal.”

Aretha Franklin performs during the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Aretha Franklin performs during the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Aretha Franklin performs at the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Aretha Franklin performs at the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Luke Song, designer of the hat Aretha Franklin wore while singing
Luke Song, designer of the hat Aretha Franklin wore while singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" during President Barack Obama's inauguration, shows a replica of the hat at Mr. Song Millinery in Detroit.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ellen DeGeneres wears a hat similar to the one Aretha Franklin wore as she performed during the swearing-in ceremony at the inauguration for President Barack Obama.
Ellen DeGeneres wears a hat similar to the one Aretha Franklin wore as she performed during the swearing-in ceremony at the inauguration for President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
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Aretha Franklin sings "My Country 'Tis of Thee" during inaugural ceremonies for President Barack Obama.   (YouTube)
Ellen DeGeneres has some things to say about Aretha's hat.   (YouTube)

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We even have a lot of men calling to get it for their wives, mothers and grandmothers. - Luke Song, owner of Mr. Song Millinery

She walked through the shop and said 'I want that bow put on that hat.' She had the coat already, but she needed the hat to set it off. - Luke Song, on how Aretha combined two hats to complete her inauguration ensemble

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
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5 comments
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Newser001
Jan 23, 09 10:31 AM CST
She looked so fine! Reply
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Lula
Jan 23, 09 12:33 PM CST
Huh? Reply
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0
jaguarj
Jan 23, 09 4:13 PM CST
Some people have taste for shit! Reply
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riffran
Jan 24, 09 4:32 AM CST
Yall I love the "queen of soul" and respect her and recognize her talent, but the hat?? Hell no Reply
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Chilblain
Jan 24, 09 11:37 AM CST
She is possibly;y the greatest female soul singer of all time, but that hat looks like something from a cartoon. And she hasn't made a decent album since the 1970's. Blame the $$, fame and record producers...... Reply
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