Aretha Franklin's hat requested by museum

Aretha Franklin's inauguration hat set to go down in US history

It was the surprise fashion hit of Barack Obama's inauguration, and now Aretha Franklin's statement hat is set to go down in American history. The Queen of Soul caught the attention of style watchers everywhere with her custom-made grey felt cloche, adorned with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted bow, which she wore as she performed 'My Country Tis of Thee' at the President's swearing-in ceremony.

The style quickly sparked massive demand across the US, with its designer, Luke Song, being inundated with requests, and now it could be winging its way to one of the USA's most prestigious museums.

The Smithsonian museum, which has already added Michelle Obama's iconic Jason Wu asymmetric gown to its archives, has now requested Franklin's hat as well.

The legendary singer, however, is reluctant to let go of the now-historic piece.

'I am considering it', she commented, 'It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history.'

Ending on a patriotic note, she concluded,' 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.'

If the hat does make it to the Smithsonian, then it will join an exhibition on the inauguration. Something tells us it will be keeping its place on Ms Franklin's mantelpiece for now though!

SEE BARACK OBAMA'S INAUGURATION GALLERY HERE