If you were watching President Obama’s inauguration today, you most likely caught an amazing performance by the queen of soul herself, Aretha Franklin. We were so awestruck by her giant, bedazzled hat that we composed this collection of headwear, much of it bedecked with bows. (It’s a trend: take note!) Aretha is a woman we can all get behind. Make a statement!
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. the big bows!
By sanchia845, $175.
By frannyvintage, $15.
Classic Birdcage Veil with Satin Bow – As Seen on Good Morning LA – MORE COLORS
By topsyturvydesign, $76.
By BoringSidney, $60.
1940′s inspired medium circular hat with two side bows (colour – deep purple)
By Rosieleeclothing, $50.
By LoulouLovesYou, $25.
By whiteapple, $195.
By Yokoo, $40.
Pretty Betty Hair-Band with Bow
By priscilladawn, $15.
125 comments
Sign in to add your ownraegunfabric says:
Oh my gosh I freaking love the motivation behind this story, you guys are great, and the hats are actually cute too (the etsy ones not so much Arethra's haha)
3 years ago
Sinta says:
Saw Aretha.. what a voice! Ooooh that fan hat is gorgeous :) Gotta figure out what to wear with it.
3 years ago
HeyMichelle says:
Yes, yes, yes to big huge bows!
3 years ago
katiearms says:
All I have to say about this is...YES!
3 years ago
artkitten says:
I knew you guys were going to have an article about that hat!
3 years ago
jeannesu says:
Aretha rocked with that hat!
3 years ago
lillyella says:
I saw that hat and gasped out loud - it is so fine, only aretha could pull it off - but I love your choices as well, especially the yellow beret.
3 years ago
PussDaddy says:
That was one hellaciously big bow on Aretha's hat.
3 years ago
KarmaRox says:
Only Aretha could pull that off..........wasn't it FAB??????? And her singing brought me to tears! BRAVO, ARETHA!
3 years ago
roundabout says:
Whoa, I'm surprised I couldn't see that hat over the radio! :) Aretha has ALWAYS rocked.
3 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I LOVE to see creative headwear on the rise. It's been forgotten about for too long!
3 years ago
VintageEyeFashion says:
I love Aretha...and her hat!!!!!!
3 years ago
simplesplendor says:
I was totally digging Aretha's hat! But everything's better Etsy style!!
3 years ago
Kurdtlhorg says:
That hat was totally amazing!
3 years ago
laurenmojica says:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE hats! These are great! I was just telling my mom while we were watching Aretha that I wished that big hats would come back in style. She was awesome!
3 years ago
OnTheNeedle says:
Brilliant on-your-toes story, and I loved the hat!
3 years ago
JulieMeyer says:
Oh I love hats, especially that huge cool bow! Be sure to check out this great hat shop on Etsy - her hats are amazing and super affordable! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=103011
3 years ago
salmonbarn says:
Bowdacious !!!
3 years ago
hannapt says:
Awesome story ETSY! Aretha and her hat was truly amazing and so are those gorgeous pics of yours!
3 years ago
HarmonyWear says:
Great collection, I love to wear bows in my hair. I got this one from the House Of Tesla, it rocks! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19969276
3 years ago
blnoopesup says:
these are all so darling!
3 years ago
shavingkitsuppplies says:
Hah...this is so awesome. One of each, please!
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
I love hats! I look lousy in them, but I love to see them on others. Especially the vintage ones.
3 years ago
PamperingBeki says:
I like big BOWS and I cannot lie...
3 years ago
wonderlandboutique says:
bows, bows, and more bows! Loving this. WB x
3 years ago
glamasaurus says:
Such cute picks!
3 years ago
dimpledprincess says:
Bows and hats...very cute.
3 years ago
ionascloset says:
LOVE this feature! Miss Aretha looks amazing!
3 years ago
paperelle says:
I twittered (tweeted?) the moment I could find a picture of the hat, it's so fabulous. Great finds! Anyone know where the actual hat came from?
3 years ago
hellome says:
A hat in grandeur almost equal to that of the wearer. And what a hat it was!
3 years ago
autumncomfort says:
I'm a sucker for bows. Love these!!
3 years ago
elizandaxel says:
Fabulous article and amazing hats!!!
3 years ago
GeminiMoonMosaics says:
LOVED the hat and Aretha is amazing! And I am loving the picks here too.
3 years ago
AnniesWearableArt says:
millinery craze=way overdue
3 years ago
EmmaGordonLondon says:
I must admit, I wasn't paying much attention to her singing - I was just staring at her hat - amazing! Lots of bow hair accessories in my shop!
3 years ago
stylesmith says:
A story on hats and I'm missing from it! ; ) Lovely selection.
3 years ago
Ryanplz says:
haha, it's kind of funny, because we were watching it live at school, and the computer froze, leaving us with a still image similar to the one above. great selection, though!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
Bow-tastic!
3 years ago
tinyleaves says:
In my fashion opinion bows should be used sparingly and with a fair amount trepidation, given the danger that the wearer of said bow(s) look, well, silly. Aretha definitely carries this off, but not many could. Beware the bow! (Sorry, Etsy)
3 years ago
ravenwren says:
I did love that hat! I've been getting all kinds of fun girlie hair accessories on Etsy lately. So much fun!
3 years ago
BouquetSpecialDesign says:
So cute I LOVE hats:))
3 years ago
InspirationPoint says:
I know, that was an amazing hat! The moment she stepped up there I thought "Whoa!!" Amazing hat to go with an amazing person!
3 years ago
timesandchimes says:
At first we were like "what is she wearing???" *not hat fans* But then we realized who she was and we were like "she can wear whatever the heck she wants!"
3 years ago
MariesVintage says:
Wow, that is a crazy huge bow, but she totally pulls it off! Tons of great hats in vintage as well....
3 years ago
kirby says:
That was an amazing hat. It was insane. But even more so am I loving these more wearable handmade picks!
3 years ago
pumpkinhaus says:
i too was rather impressed by her bow....
3 years ago
kimichisu says:
Nothing short of a-meh-zing i love aretha's performace and h'mm i do see this trend becoming big in`09
3 years ago
ME2Designs says:
LA Times on Aretha's hat: Aretha Franklin -- who has rocked her fair share of amazing headgear over the years -- wrapped her head in a crystal studded bow. The $179 hat, customized with Swarovski crystals, came from Mr. Song Millinery in Detroit where Luke Song has been making ladies dress hats for 25 years.
3 years ago
Schmutzerland says:
Ahhh that hat makes me want to be Aretha! Look at that! Just Feirce!!!!
3 years ago
pamglew says:
great performance, great bow!
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Only she could wear that fabulous hat! I loved it!
3 years ago
KnitKnit says:
oh, i love it! a beautifully inspiring collection!
3 years ago
RummageInTheJumble says:
You missed this one! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18954047 Good idea though x
3 years ago
fisheye says:
Splendor is absolutely the word for it! Love the hats and bows!
3 years ago
isewcute says:
Aretha's got style & class!
3 years ago
BellaSmiles says:
I LOVED Aretha's bow! And I am a super-fan of bows...the bigger the better.
3 years ago
lalala08 says:
I'm surprised no one mentioned the bling on that hat! I loved the way it sparkled in the sun as she sang, it added extra magic to the whole situation!
3 years ago
mslovetocrochet says:
Aretha wore the hat .It did not wear her. Only she could have pulled that one off without looking like a fool.
3 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
How Fabulous was that hat! What an incredible lady!
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Spectacular ~~ she carried it off and this is a great etsy collection!
3 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Aretha Rocks!
3 years ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
These are fantastic! Aretha sang beautifully and she totally carried that bow!!!
3 years ago
BoringSidney says:
A client emailed me to tell me I needed so see her hat, so I was pleased to find it here! Even more pleased that you included one of mine, thank you!
3 years ago
flameonglass says:
That was an amazing hat!
3 years ago
helenshandbags says:
I totally agree!! The hat made quite the statement and NO ONE could carry that one off better than Aretha!! Great hats, love the bows!!
3 years ago
JetWhitePonytail says:
Loved the performance, love Aretha's hat and all Etsy picks!
3 years ago
ALPhotography says:
I love The Minnie Bow in Grey !
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Great feature! I myself am a lover of bows, big bows, huge bows, hats and fancy ladylike stuff! Plenty in my shop!
3 years ago
SugarPlumFerret says:
I LOVED Aretha's hat. That woman has a voice and class to boot! I LOVE the birdcage veil!
3 years ago
strozzistawzeeh says:
Yeeeeesh to SHOUTING BOW aawwh!!!! CONGRATS AMERICA!!!!
3 years ago
Jacqibean says:
agree with EmmaGordonLondon "I must admit, I wasn't paying much attention to her singing - I was just staring at her hat - amazing!" Me Too Me too, I just keep takin pictures to the TV... Hahahahaa...
3 years ago
SarahPadgham says:
Great article. Now everyone needs to get a hat....!
3 years ago
LatinQueen says:
I soo love hats! The bigger bow the better! I love the hat that Aretha wore! I want it..
3 years ago
christinececelia says:
I HAVE SOME GREAT ONES TOO!!!! CHECK UM OUT!!!!! CHRISTINECECELIA.ETSY.COM
3 years ago
EarthBabyDesigns says:
That was one freaking awesome hat!
3 years ago
Heavenlytreasures123 says:
A big bow for a wonderful important event.Awesome
3 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
hat, super....Aretha, terrific. It was most definitely......Super Terrific! Ya-hoo!
3 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
That is a fantastic bow. Love it, Aretha!
3 years ago
kristensteinfineart says:
That was such a great performance and such a great hat. As soon as I saw it, I made a facebook comment on CNN about etsy. Admin didn't fail me...I knew we'd see an article. Great job!!
3 years ago
jasminzorlu says:
Maybe Obama will be inspired to wear a hat! Then the hat will come back! I make hats too, though I'm new to etsy! www.jasminzorlu.etsy.com
3 years ago
millalove says:
I love BIG pretty bows. It's my birthday today, and I think I have the RIGHT to wear a huge bow on my head. Oh yes.
3 years ago
Rosieleeclothing says:
Hi I am glad to see my hat on the storque. I say everybody Aspire To Be Different. Check out my shop for more syles. Thank You.
3 years ago
artdecadence says:
Oh she looked stunning...and your choices here are fabulous...so inexpensive yet so chic...
3 years ago
ilovemysewingmachine says:
I LOVED Aretha's hat!!! She looked stunning. Congrats on your new president USA! Fab Hats above too :)
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
I love hats! Read the book "Crowns." It is excellent. Thank you Etsy! One of my favorite things on Etsy is all the hats and hair accessories. So many to choose from. LOVE IT!
3 years ago
BeHaveUrbanAtelier says:
It's a big pity that many people still connect the idea of a big bow with an Easter egg....here in Italy people tend to wear so classic, most of them wouldn't ever dare to wear something like that...despite this I keep on putting bows everywhere since two years (though not so big ones!)...I guess when I'll get bored about bows people here will totally accept them (it has already happened with stripes and polka dots...)! It's a hard work but someone has to do it!
3 years ago
threepeats says:
Hats are back or maybe they were never really gone.
3 years ago
annamatrona says:
this hat was my favorite part of the whole day!
3 years ago
OverTheTop says:
I LOVED her hat. I thought it was sedate, crazy and fun all at the same time. She actually looked quite fashionable. :) Love the mustard hat by frannyvintage!
3 years ago
frostingcouture says:
I LOVE Bows on Hats!! Adorable!
3 years ago
twolefthands says:
Gorgeous hats! I adore boringsidney!
3 years ago
jennifermorrisbeads says:
amen!
3 years ago
stoneaddict says:
OMIGOD that hat was over the top, but then so is ARETHA!
3 years ago
jamieshelman says:
can't compete with that hat!
3 years ago
hergypsysoul says:
Isn't Aretha spectacular in her hat and that GIANT voice!
3 years ago
mylittlejo says:
That was an awesome hat... loved it!
3 years ago
KashmirIsis says:
Aretha's hat is growing on me - ha ha. What a great article - thanks!
3 years ago
QuiltSALAD says:
Yep, I noticed Aretha's cute and unique hat.
3 years ago
Newdaycrochet says:
Loved the hat and really loved that bow.......and Aretha too : ), I heard a comment about the size of the bow, I saw what they call a church hat, gotta know these things ;)
3 years ago
photopaint says:
I too loved her hat and my 16 yr old did as well..the appeal of the big hat and big bow cross the generations! ARetha also brought me to tears!! She is the queen of soul!!
3 years ago
sharonclancydesigns says:
Great way to celebrate America's own legendary Aretha Franklin and her awesome soulful voice. She wears that hat so well. She was such a gift for all to hear, every gift should come with a fabulous bow, she rocked it!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
BoringSidney's hat's rock here on Etsy~!
3 years ago
decoratethediva says:
Love it!!!
3 years ago
marbelladesigns says:
fantastic hats, Aretha was terrific!
3 years ago
SparklePaw says:
a-dorable.
3 years ago
Nikifashion says:
Cool hats:)
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Wow, she looks like Minnie Mouse.
3 years ago
girlscantell says:
alison, you're the bestest. hilarious article and great picks, lady!
3 years ago
LostButterflies says:
That hat was so amazing and it looked so fantastic on her! I love big bows, even though personally I think I pull off the small ones better. If I could pull off a big bow I would totally grab up that The Minnie Bow in Grey, too cute!
3 years ago
Rose442 says:
Aretha looked fabulous,she's got great style,she always dresses beautifully! I just love her!
3 years ago
tropicalcottage says:
Aretha is and always will be the "Queen of Soul" and I Love her but I cannot lie ... She is not a fashionista That hat was atrocious ...She should have shopped for one on ETSY!!!!:D
3 years ago
ParkSlopeArtist says:
Gret Bows...sorry one can't put my abstract images on your head only on your walls...Bernette
3 years ago
twozies says:
I thought the big bow was great!
3 years ago
Emmaleesboutique says:
Love the Big Bow! It's Fantastic! ;0)
3 years ago
anothertimeantiques says:
Thank you vintage history fashions for your endless influence on modern style! I got goosebumps when I saw her 40s revival look! 3 Cheers for hats!
3 years ago
HarvestOfPeace says:
Only Aretha could make that bow look small! She is so awesome! Nice article.
3 years ago
msbsab says:
These hats are fantastic! Hats are a must to be really "dressed". Sherry
3 years ago
yosemitevintage says:
Yes, I love hats AND Aretha is frickin' awesome! Have loved her since I was a kid. Heres my contribution MOD 60s Bow Hat to this thread: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18944299
3 years ago
CottageKnits says:
Hats forever!
3 years ago
thevintagethread says:
Unbelievable hat and did you hear?! The Smithsonian wants it! I'm all for bows - check out my lavender sachets "Bundles and Bows" Maybe they'll become a trend! (fingers crossed) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19716394
3 years ago
strawberrycouture says:
How funny. My hat even made it in the treasury: Hats Off To Aretha. The lady who made this treasury used this as her theme. My hat is the one listed in the top left corner. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18655057 http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_giPSLHNY8dE/SXyq5145B0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/-U4BkiPtDss/s1600-h/treasury+hats+off+to+aretha.png
3 years ago
kiwigemwraps says:
I'm not really a fan of big bows, I think they kind of take the attention off of anything else. This was a good article though.
3 years ago
kittenmiami says:
Hats are fabulous and making a big comeback!
3 years ago
dajoli says:
These are very pretty hats* :)
3 years ago