CHICAGO — The Beyoncé-inspired cowboy hats worn by Washington’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention have grabbed plenty of TV time and social media attention.
They also prompted a call from the Smithsonian, according to state Democratic Party chair Shasti Conrad.
A representative of the cultural institution called and asked about getting a hat and an accompanying “Cowboy Kamala” sash to include in its ever growing exhibition of political convention memorabilia.
“And I said, ‘Yes, yes, yes, you can!’ So we made history last night, Washington State Democrats,” Conrad told delegates at their daily breakfast Tuesday morning, prompting cheers and some celebratory dancing and napkin twirls.
The white cowboy hats — a brainstorm of Conrad’s and a friend — are modeled after the hat made famous by pop star Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album, a smash hit released this year.
The hats include flashing lights that stood out immediately during Monday’s marathon first night of convention speeches. Journalists, music influencers and other delegates raved about them on social media.
Political conventions are a serious business about nominating and selling the next president and vice president of the United States. But they’re also a made-for-TV show, and Washington’s delegates are having fun getting some prime attention for their outfits.
Conrad says she also passed a hat up to vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor who was sitting in a nearby section.
