When Aretha Franklin performed at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2009, due to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, the 66-year-old “Queen of Soul” wore the most impressive hat.

After her performance more and more people began interested in buying the same model and Luke Song’s hat shop was assaulted by many calls asking for a model of Franklin’s hat. The singer’s hat was a grey and round-shaped one with a Swarovski rhinestone-bordered bow, which quickly made the Mr. Song Millinery hat shop very famous.

Yet, Mr. Song tried to explain everyone that the hat was unique and made only for the “Queen of Soul.” Franklin’s hat was hand-made and cost up to $500, the designer said. He instead offered the customers a satin ribbon of $179. In addition, the hat industry seems to be making a lot more money now, that the big hats have become part of the new trend.

Due to the Hat fascination and the press pouring articles about it, the Smithsonian museum requested the hat to sit alongside with Michelle Obama's Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu ensembles.

But Aretha isn’t ready to give up the specially-designed hat yet. She said that she considers it but that it would be very hard for her to part with the iconic hat, which had created so much interest. Aretha added that she would like to look at the hat years from now and smile remembering the special moment in the American and African-American history.

The famous chapeau already has its own website.