Madeleine Albright's inspirational contribution to fashion history was inspired by none other than Saddam Hussein.
When former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (and subsequent Secretary of State), Madeleine Albright publically critizied Saddam Hussein, his "poet in residence" declared her "an unparalleled serpent" and inspired Albright's fashion-forward decision to use her love of pins as a political statement.
After being branded as a "serpent" Albright choose to make a diplomatic statement at the next meeting with Iraq by choosing to wear a brooch designed as a snake and from that day forward Albright's pins sent messages around the globe.
In her new book, Read My Pins, Albright shares stories and photos of over 200 of her pins. From pins that sent a message to pins that have a story, Madeleine Albright's collection is a true American treasure.
You can also see the collection in person in New York at the Museum of Arts and Design through January 31, 2010.
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