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Aretha Franklin sparks massive demand for statement hat

By Lucy Hutchings on Friday 23 January 2009

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Aretha Franklin, news, Marie Claire

Stylistically, all eyes may have been on First Lady Michelle Obama at Tuesday's Inauguration ceremony, but the surprise fashion statement of the day came from an unlikely source: Aretha Franklin.

The legendary soul singer performed 'My Country Tis of Thee' at the President's swearing in ceremony, but it was her statement hat that really caught the public's attention – a grey felt cloche, adorned with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted bow.

Custom-made by milliner Luke Song, the hat was hand-moulded especially for the singer, who's been a customer at his Detroit store for 20 years.

'We always make hats for her for high-profile events, so for us, the inauguration really was no big deal,' Song told The Associated Press.

Now the milliner has been inundated with requests for the head piece, from fans eager for a piece of Franklin's style.

As Aretha's was especially made, Song has instead been offering an alternative satin ribbon version, costing $179 (£129).

And the keen customers have been snapping them up, 'They want the same hat, but they understand it's for the 'Queen' only. Ninty-nine percent said, "That's fine. I'll get the next best thing",' Song added.

SEE ALL THE INAUGURAL CELEBRATION PICS HERE