Will Aretha Franklin's Inauguration Hat Bring Back Custom Hats?

After reading an Associated Press article a few days after the Inauguration that Mr. Song Millinery received hundreds of calls requesting the Swarovski hat with the rhinestone-bordered bow worn by Aretha Franklin when she sang at Barrack Obama's Inauguration, and when those callers were advised that it was "one of a kind" but that a satin ribbon version would be available for $179 (compared to Aretha's hat which would cost over $500) and the callers still being willing to buy the cheaper one, it made me wonder why American women have long gotten away from wearing hats for important occasions.

How many of you wear or own (or recall wearing) dressy "millinery hats"?

Over the years they were very popular although only some of the First Ladies were complimented on theirs!! On the other hand, they say that Hillary Clinton's domed, wide-brimmed hat has haunted her since 1993!!! And the media said Laura Bush's inaugural hat in 2001 looked like a flying saucer!!!

Of course Jackie Kennedy's famous pill box hats, dresses, suits, and long white gloves almost reaching to her shoulders were the height of fashion and are even sought in vintage stores to this day.

Do you remember Rosalyn Carter's big floppy hats with big bows?

Did you have anything in "Mamie pink", Mamie Eisenhower's signature color that not only entered into her coordinated outfits and hats but even appeared in her bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen?

Nancy Reagan's red coat and hat for those inaugural ceremonies were labeled as "best dressed".

Do you know that Bess Truman never gave an interview as first lady and once said her job was to sit quietly on the podium next to her husband and make sure her hat was on straight?

The "Woodrow Wilson House" NEWS of June 18, 2007 told of their Annual Garden Party where their Hat Contest winners "sported live flowers, family heirlooms, painted landscapes, pith helmets, architectural masterpieces and for the 'show stopper' freshly shorn wool from the family sheep. The sheep, of course, were inspired by President Wilson's flock at the White House that kept the lawns nibbled while the gardeners were off to war".

Perhaps we American women can also take a lesson from the English, not necessarily from Camilla Parker Bowles' wedding hat but certainly from the Queen of England who wears such stunning color-coordinated hats to match her outfits.

Do you have any hat stories to share?

Sources: "Requests flood in for 'Queen of Soul's' custom hat" By COREY WILLIAMS, Associated Press Writer - Thu Jan 22, 7:00 pm ET

"Woodrow Wilson House" NEWS of June 18, 2007