I was enthralled at an exhibit of Madeleine Albright’s brooch
collection at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California. Even though I had to
wait in line for twenty minutes to get in the door and even though people were
pushing against each other as they viewed the over 200 pins in the show, it was
well worth it. If you live in the Los Angeles area, go on over. The show ends
on January 13.
One of many dragonfly pins
Albright wielded her pins with expertise. People got what message
she wanted to convey by the pins perched on her lapel or shoulder.
Her book, Read
My Pins, also has wonderful photographs of her collection and the
history behind most of pins in it. I bought a copy. It’s a great coffee table
book. Here’s what the Amazon book description says:
Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had
become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H. W.
Bush had been known for saying "Read my lips." I began urging
colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins."
It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S.
ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator,
his poet in residence responded by calling her "an unparalleled
serpent." Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi
officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic
statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was
new, her message was as old as the American Revolution—Don't Tread on Me.
The Saddam snake
From that day forward, pins became part of
Albright's diplomatic signature. International leaders were pleased to see her
with a shimmering sun on her jacket or a cheerful ladybug; less so with a crab
or a menacing wasp. Albright used pins to emphasize the importance of a
negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, and show
pride in representing America, among other purposes.
One of my favorites
Part illustrated memoir, part social history, Read
My Pins provides an
intimate look at Albright's life through the brooches she wore. Her collection
is both international and democratic—dime-store pins share pride of place with
designer creations and family heirlooms. Included are the antique eagle
purchased to celebrate Albright's appointment as secretary of state, the zebra
pin she wore when meeting Nelson Mandela, and the Valentine's Day heart forged
by Albright's five-year-old daughter.
She broke the glass ceiling at the State Department
Read My Pins features more than 200 photographs,
along with compelling and often humorous stories about jewelry, global
politics, and the life of one of America's most accomplished and fascinating diplomats.
By one of my favorite art deco designers, Mucha
(all photos taken with my cell phone)
