Queen of Soul, Queen of the Hat: Aretha Franklin's Unwanted Threads Auctioned Off

Dozens of items owned by the Queen of Soul were sold this week, at no profit to Aretha Franklin, during an auction of unwanted garb from an abandoned storage unit.

As the AP reports, on Saturday the Grammy Award-winning artist's famously elaborate hats were among the biggest sales draw for the crowd of several hundred people at a store west of Detroit.

It's reported that one hat, beige with fur and matching collar cuffs, went for $400, while a gown sold for $550.

Sales distributor Jill Pendergrast said there was something for everyone.
"Somebody wanted T-shirts that had been stained up. Some people just came for blue jeans. Some people were looking for just shoes," she explained.

Pendergrast, who said the people kept coming in and going out, would not name the new owners of the items or reveal how much was raised by the sale.

Franklin was not affiliated with the sale in the financial sense, but those who walked away in her shoes, inspired by her spirit in fashion, may have gained some extra soul. Franklin's iconic music, including "Respect," are closely associated with her involvement in the civil rights struggle.

Franklin wowed on all levels during the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Her passion in fashion and social movements echoed through the Capitol Hill, wearing an attention getting, Swarovski studded, gray felt hat and delivering a tremendous rendition of "My Country 'Tis of the Thee" minutes before President Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

Watch Aretha perform while wearing a mind-boggling hat at President Obama's inauguration: