Aretha's Hat Is Everywhere
Not only is the Smithsonian Institution interested in getting the hat Aretha Franklin wore to Obama's inauguration, but now, through the wonder of technology, you can have it, too (well, you can also buy a copy from the hatmaker, Luke Song) -- just mosey on over to Buzzfeed, where The Hat, in many manifestations, appears in all its glory. Upload today!
(H/T,no pun intended, to Vicki)
Such an unworthy head to wear that hat!
I may be ill.......
Posted by: oddjob | February 01, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I loved The Hat. But then, I love hats, period. I have masses of them--straw cowboy hats for the beach, a faux-ocelot Dr. Zvivago-styled hat, a black top hat like Slash's, cloches, an awesome real Panama grueso, a big brown faux-fur Stetson that feels like wearing a teddy bear on your head, newsboy caps, Ali McGraw crochet hats, a navy-blue wide-brimmed straw wedding hat with piles of silk roses I sewed onto it...you name it.
Someone came up to me at a wedding several years ago and said, You must be English--the English always know to wear hats when they're called for. Which is true, but so did Americans, back in the day. I have photos of my in-laws when they lived in New York in the 1950's, and everyone seemed to be beautifully-dressed, complete with elegant hats, back then. Men wore fedoras with their coats and suits, just to go to work, no special occasion necessary. Ordinary, working-class and middle-class people took much more pride in their outfits back then, and I for one long for this stylishness and sense of pride to return. I love that African American women still proudly wear their hats to church, unlike the ill-mannered (or simply unaware) sorts who show up at a house of worship wearing their tank tops and running shoes. I could go on and on, obviously, so I'll close by saying, HOORAY for you and your fabulous hat, Aretha! You looked every inch the Queen you are.
Posted by: litbrit | February 01, 2009 at 09:20 AM
As Vicki said, "it looked like the standard black women's church hat to me," but it's still cool because it's ARETHA!!
oddjob, I hope you scrolled down on the Buzzfeed page to see the dazzling assortment of wearers in addition to Cheney. One is better than the next!
Posted by: Lisa Simeone | February 01, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I must recommend this terrific post about Aretha's hat by Sara Robinson of the Group News Blog.
Sara always brings an extra bit of fashion wisdom to the table.
Posted by: litbrit | February 01, 2009 at 10:47 AM