sundance

Madeleine Albright: Read her pins

Madeleine Albright, the US’s first ever female Secretary of State, wrote a book about her pins. Yes, her pins. She used pins to subtly convey her mood, and the nation’s intentions, via costume jewelry. At one point Saddam Hussein called her a serpent; from then on she wore a serpent pin whenever Iraq was the subject of a UN action. Later she’d wear them to convey messages. Wasp pins to sting. Elephant pins to show love for India.

The book has been out for some time, but I just discovered that New York’s Museum of Arts and Design has been exhibiting Albright’s pin collection. Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection runs through January 31st. It is a must see for any politico or jewelry lover. Or if you’re both, like me.