After debuting her now infamous hat as she sang “America the Beautiful” Aretha Franklin’s hat caught the attention of a nation. Franklin wore the bow studded hat during President Obama’s inauguration. After seeing Aretha wear the $500 original, people rushed out to get a replica of the hat making the metropolitan Detroit dress shop she purchased it from a popular shopping destination.
The most lucrative request came from the Smithsonian. In addition to requesting Michelle Obama’s Jason Wu designed gown, they want to put Aretha’s hat on display. The news of the Smithsonian wanting the hat surfaced almost a year ago and it sounds like Aretha has yet to hand the trendsetting novelty over.
This week while watching Aretha appear on both The View and the Rachel Ray show, she revealed that she and the Smithsonian had not agreed on a price so the hat was still in her possession. It’s unclear as to why they don’t have it yet but when asked about the hat Aretha replied, “I still have it. It’s at home. I’ve talked to the Smithsonian. I want them to have it, but we just haven’t come to terms yet.”
Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
Please All
Lighten up on Ms. Franklin. I am an Arab noblewoman and I have been an avid fan the Lady since coming to the US. She has been a bit of a Controversial Personna, but you cannot help love the Dear One’s independence and spirit.
She has, I would think, has “Arrived” and is completely an International Institution in American Music and entertainment.
I still love her rather ingenueish style and she is utterly Victorian and glamourous for a Negro American Woman entertainer. So many have no dignity whatsover. She has her own inimitable glamour and uniqueness.
I can only wish her continue and in fact after the brouha ha I purchased a mink coat and hat too.
All Arabian women are not reactionary to her in the critical American Press.
Love you Ms. Franklin!