The Smithsonian Institute, purveyors of American history and pop culture, wants Aretha Franklin’s grey studded church lady hat for it’s permanent collection.
The Queen of Soul wore the custom-made hat when she performed “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration on January 20, 2009. Apparently, hat designer Luke Song has been swamped with orders of the bling-bowed hat which cost over $500. Song has been selling knock-off versions en mass for about $179 a lid since that historic day. Franklin has not decided if she will donate the hat to repository. Michelle Obama has given her Jason Wu Inaugural Ball Gown to The Smithsonian and it will go on display this Summer.






