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Aretha Franklin's eye-catching fashion statement may have been the cause of comedic scuttlebutt with talk show hosts and comedians, alike, when she performed 'My Country 'Tis of Thee' at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
But the Queen of Soul's rhinestone-rimmed crown is a hot commodity at retail.
The hat's designer, Luke Song of Detroit's Mr. Song Millinery, has sold thousands since its debut on national TV, 'The Los Angeles Times' reports.
Aretha Franklin Pictures
TO GO WITH AFP STORY: US-politics-Obama-inauguration-people. Washington ready for star-spangled Obama inauguration. by Rob Woollard.This January 11, 2009 combination image shows some of the many celebrities that will be a part of Barack Obama's Inaugural ceremonies on January 20. Top row L-R: Singer Sting, singer Aretha Franklin, actor Timothy Bottoms, TV talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey, singer Elvis Costello. Second row L-R: Actor Tom Hanks, singer Bruce Springsteen, comedian Chris Rock, actress Patricia Arquette, singer Dionne Warwick. Third row L-R: Actor/director Ron Howard, Director Spike Lee, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, actress Susan Sarandon, singer Mary J. Blige. Bottom row L-R: Actress Anne Hathaway, actor George Clooney, singer Beyonce Knowles, actor Ed Harris, and actress Angela Bassett. AFP PHOTO/FILES (Photo credit should read FILES/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Jazz Fest founder and executive producer George Wein plays with a jazz band in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2009 with performances by Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor and dozens of other acts, the event's organizers announced at a news conference attended by Wein. (AP Photo)
AP
Jazz Fest founder and executive producer George Wein reacts as he plays with a jazz band in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2009 with performances by Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor and dozens of other acts, the event's organizers announced at a news conference attended by Wein. (AP Photo)
AP
Aretha Franklin performs during The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops Concert.Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com..To license this image (56372193), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Aretha Franklin performs during The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops Concert.Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com..To license this image (56372177), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Aretha Franklin performs during The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops Concert.Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com..To license this image (56372176), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Aretha Franklin performs in "The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops," a benefit concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..Aretha Franklin "The Torch Of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute To Our Troops".Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (56372150), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
Singer Aretha Franklin performs in "The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops," a benefit concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..Aretha Franklin "The Torch Of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute To Our Troops".Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (56372150), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
Aretha Franklin performs during The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops Concert.Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com..To license this image (56372191), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Aretha Franklin preforms in "The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops," a benefit concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..Aretha Franklin "The Torch Of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute To Our Troops".Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (56371771), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
Franklin's crown (adorned with Swavorski crystal-encrusted bow) was a customized version, rumored to have cost upwards to $500. Meanwhile, replica of it is going for $179.
Song is planning to produce an "Aretha Franklin Collection" of 12 hats in a variety of colors and bow sizes, priced from $150-$220. The collection will be shown during February's "Women's Wear in Nevada" trade show in Las Vegas.
Mr. Song Millinery sells its hats in over 500 U.S. stores.
Comments: (18)
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By: jane on 1/27/2009 1:58PM
LISTEN guys dont even dignify degeneres with a comment here --her problem??? --she is gay
dear hearts--so thats ENOUGH TO FEEL SORRY for her --she is gay
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By: jane on 1/27/2009 2:02PM
furthermore let me put a feather in your GAY hats people ---NATIONALITY has ABSOLUTLY NOTHING to do with IMMORALITY -- DONT GET IT T-W-I-S-T-E-D
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By: Eddie on 1/28/2009 2:59PM
I loved Aretha's hat and I love Ellen.
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By: Janet on 1/27/2009 4:17PM
Personally, I don't think Aretha's hat was bad at all. I'm so happy the designer and Aretha are getting the credit they're due. I'm tired of people criticizing and making jokes about Aretha. It's definitely time for something positive!
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By: Lady D on 1/27/2009 7:50PM
Aretha's hat was so beautiful on her, with gray, coat, and matching gloves. I would love to have one. She's always been a dresser, coming form the motor city. And sang like one of Gods birds. I just love her. I grew up listening to her music, and still love it. Now put that in your hat. God's Blessings, to her family.
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By: Evelyn Robinson on 1/27/2009 10:10PM
Aretha is truly one of a kind and so is her Inauguration Hat! I can't see anyone but her looking right wearing it!!
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By: blaquedragon949 on 1/28/2009 12:41AM
Well 1st. of all most of the people that didn't like Aretha's hat are not black and can't appreciate any of our unique likes and taste, especially some gay person whom we know must have really strange likes and taste;.....hmmmmmmmmmm
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By: coleymlc409 on 1/28/2009 9:14AM
I LOVE ARETHA HAT. I HAVE ABOUT 6 OR HI HATS. 1ST. OF ALL YOU WHITE PEOPLE DONT KNOW HOW TO WEAR A HAT . YOU HAVE TO WEAR THE HAT ,DONT LET IT WEAR YOU LIKE ELLEN DID BOOO.I THINK THE HAT WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL
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By: deniseloveselmo on 1/28/2009 10:07AM
Are you kidding me? I thought that hat was hideous and I am a black woman!! As for the comments on Ellen, I'll bet they come from "Christians" who sit up in church on Sundays' with the same hideous type hats and matching outfits and want to preach love and acceptance to "heathens" like Ellen and others! Come on people! It was an opinion about a HAT not an opportunity to bash someone personally for having an opinion that differs from yours! Geesh!
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By: Rev Di on 1/28/2009 10:25AM
Please understand that those of us who are African American and are in the age range that Ms Aretha Frankliln hat wearing of that type (formal or church hat)is what we would wear to a very historical event as a guest speaker or performer. It is just like the beautiful coat dress ansemble that First Lady Michelle Obama wore. Some people critised her attire that she wore for the swearing in. they thought it was to dressy but as far as our culture it was absolutly perfect for the historical event her husband was becoming president ofthe United States of America. Listen I was right there and it was cold and after a certain age a sista gotta have her head covered and why now do it with some beautiful, elegant style!
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