12 Women Politicians and Activists Who Have Proudly Made Fashion Part of the Conversation

"I didn't actually have a grand plan when I first started collecting pins. . . . There's a history to jewelry serving as a communicator (although in the past it was mostly worn by men)," Madeleine said of her iconic brooch collection in a 2009 interview with Forbes. "My niche is that I am capable of explaining foreign policy in a way that's less boring, and I think that my [pins] reflect that. Also, it's a very democratic statement. Most of my brooches are inexpensive costume jewelry; anyone can build a collection." She added: "I love being a woman, and I don't want to look like a man. I enjoy bright colors and feminine-looking clothes."