 |
The
Queen of Soul made a grand entrance when she stepped on the platform to
sing her rendition of the anthem, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” donning
the infamous heather grey wool chapeau during President Barack Obama’s
historic inauguration. Now that the iconic bow-tied Swarovski
jewel-studded hat has a life of its own, it has been requested to be a
part of a Smithsonian exhibit of President Obama’s inauguration. If
donated, it will join other items scheduled for display, including
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugural night gown.
Commenting
on the Smithsonian’s request, Franklin says, “I am considering it. It
would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning
moment in history. 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.”
Designed
by Luke Song, “the hat” was custom-made especially for Franklin. Based
in Detroit, Song has been making hats for her for the last 20 years. –yvette caslin
