Powerful women throughout history have been known to adorn themselves with brooches. These decorative pins may be thought of as an antiquated accessory to some, but can also be used as a subtle way to wield authority, a low-key power move.
Sometimes, they can even communicate a secret message or statement, like the time former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wore a snake pin after the Iraqi media called her an “unparalleled serpent.” Or in 2018, when Queen Elizabeth famously wore a series of brooches during a visit from Donald Trump, including one gifted to her from the Obamas, that some believed were an expression of her disapproval of the current U.S. president. And, if you’ve ever seen the movie Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, you’ve more than likely appreciated the brooch game of boss lady Rose “I’m right on top of that, Rose” Lindsey.
Well, I’m happy to report that another brooch queen has arrived in our lives, and she, too, may be trying to tell us something through her glamorous pin
collection. On Tuesday, the president of the U.K. Supreme Court, Lady Brenda Hale, announced that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament was ruled as unlawful. While this was monumental news to the country, it was hard not to notice Lady Hale’s stunning accessory of choice: a giant rhinestone spider.
Twitter users praised Lady Hale’s bold fashion sense, while others attempted to decode it as a secret message. (One user pointed out a song from the Who called “Boris the Spider,” while another referenced a children’s book about a spider named Boris who “causes as much trouble as he can in the house.”) Though, while that would be very on the nose, it is an interesting theory.
If her arachnid accessory is not some kind of secret message, perhaps Lady Hale might just be a Fall Goth who wanted a spooky accoutrement to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox. Maybe she simply lives for a theme! One thing is for sure, Lady Hale is no brooch novice, as she is known to wear them often, particularly those shaped like insects and other creatures.
Above all, I think it’s safe to say we can all respect a woman who has no qualms about spicing up an otherwise mundane setting — like a stuffy courtroom — with a fabulous, diamanté brooch.
