INSPIRATION: Aretha Franklin’s melismatic voice is truly the greatest: sweet and sassy at one turn, sexy and pained at another. (She’s performing at Roy Thomson Hall on Nov. 6.) But Franklin’s next greatest talent is her style; she’s been a trailblazing plus-sized diva for years. Subtlety isn’t a strength (figure-squeezing fish-tail gowns; that now-classic inauguration bow cloche), not that it’s been necessary to influence big-girl-of-the-moment Beth Ditto. Amen to anyone else with enough curve-confidence to pull it off.
Lady Sings The Blues: “Never anything too fitted or too tight. Not good for the diaphragm and singing and expanding — and I have a short waist, so I always favoured the Empire look,” says Franklin of her personal style credo. MonifC “Marilyn” short convertable dress, $225. Lola & Gigi (www.lolaandgigi.com).
PETA called Franklin 2008’s Worst-Dressed Celebrity for her fur-loving ways, and offered to pay her overdue back taxes if she ditched the chinchilla for good. (Advice? Make your own faux-fur-pas statement: go vintage.) Vintage faux fur coat, $30. 69 Vintage Buy The Pound (1234 Bloor W., 416-516-1234, www.69vintage.com).
In a televised performance that demanded R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Franklin let it all hang out: she tore off her ponytail hairpiece and tossed it onto the grand piano she was playing, revealing short tufts of her real hair. Biba “Premium Short Pony” hair extension, $4.99. Discount Beauty Supplies (1557 Eglinton W., 416-781-1629).
Rev. C.L. Franklin’s daughter left school at age 14 to tour with her father’s gospel revue, an early start to a long career. Dad was a renowned preacher who was close friends with Martin Luther King, Jr. The Gospel Soul of Aretha Franklin. $18.99. Cosmos Records (607A Queen W., 416-603-0254).
According to Franklin’s long-time producer, the late Jerry Wexler, the Queen has “head, heart, and throat.” Sooth your own vocalism with herbal loose leaf tea this coming flu season. (A House of Tea recommendation? Their Rooibus Orange Eucalyptus blend.) Crown Dorset teapot, $150. House of Tea (1015-1017 Yonge, 416-922-1226, www.houseoftea.ca).