Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin's statement fashion hat has been requested to go on display in a museum.

The soul star turned out to be the surprise hit of Barack Obama's inauguration last month, when she donned the custom-made grey felt cloche, complete with Swarovski crystal-encrusted bow to the swearing-in ceremony.

Her style sparked massive demand, with designer Luke Song being inundated with requests for replicas of the fancy hat, only to be told it was a one-of-a-kind.

However, disappointed shoppers may now get to see the famous hat once more, if it goes on display in The Smithsonian museum, who have requested it for its archives.

They already have Michelle Obama's iconic Jason Wu white asymmetric gown, and now Franklin's hat is the next item on the list to bag for their Inauguration exhibition.

They may face a problem acquiring it however, as Franklin is reportedly reluctant to let it go, commenting: "I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history," reports Marie Claire.

"I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama," she added.


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