As you can see, it’s not for me, but the Queen of Soul wears it well. And Detroit needs all the good publicity that it can get…thanks, Mr. Song.
Everyone’s talking about Aretha Franklin’s crystal studded bow hat which she wore to President Obama’s Inauguration. The $179.99 hat, customized with Swarovski crystals, came from Mister Song Millinery in Detroit. It was designed by Luke Song who has been making ladies dress hats for 25 years.
He was interviewed on television yesterday, January 21st, and said that they have received over 500 orders for this hat thus far. It’s great to hear that a local Detroit family run business is getting some well deserved recognition and making a small fortune in the meantime.
He wholesales his designs at 500 boutiques across the nation, the Caribbean and Great Britain.
Versions of Aretha’s bow hat are available in 15 colors for $179.99, though the original is "exclusive" to Franklin.
Mr. Song describes it as a "structured beret with large bow" and embellished with 10 dozen Swarovski crystals.
According to a Detroit News article, “Song admits to being "shocked" at the outpouring of negative reaction online, but says those who are bashing the look don't understand the black church culture from whence it comes.”
Mr. Song says, "This is a black culture that is a mystery for 90 percent of the population," he says. "But it's such a familiar thing for the black church culture, so comforting to them. It's what their mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers have done for centuries."
If you would like one, you can contact Luke at:
Mister Song
Millinery6513 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: (313) 873-2540
Fax: (313) 873-5992
