Every fall, the Smithsonian’s Women’s Committee puts on Craft2Wear, a fundraiser for the Smithsonian. It is held in the magnificent National Building Museum.
It’s a spectacular space, enormous columns in a four story tall atrium. The Women’s Committee knows how to put on a grand show.
All set up and ready for the evening Benefit and Preview party, my booth is in the lower right corner of this picture.
Thursday evening, the night of the party was so much fun! Lots of people came to support the Smithsonian, check out the clothing and jewelry of the some 70 artists and find treasures to bring home.
The next day, Friday, started as usual. Customers and friends stopped by.
But there was a buzz, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was going to come to the show.
The news that she had arrived spread fast. We were all hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
The Women’s Committee had thoughtfully provided a buffet and I was piling up a plate with sliced cheese and carrot pieces when I heard that she was close to my booth. I rushed back just in time.
She stopped to look and I showed her what I had in her size.
She quietly said, ‘OK, we’ll come back.’ And off she went with her security guards, the chairs of the Women’s committee and her assistants.
I thought, ‘Wow.’
I caught any breath. And did my best to remain standing.
People say they’ll be back all the time. Sometimes they really do return, but often something happens. They find another treasure, their phone rings and they have to leave, they tire and decide to go home.
I played the waiting game like a hopeful girl waiting for the phone to ring.
Wonders of wonders. After what seemed like an eternity, Justice Ginsburg and her entourage did return.
She tried on quite a few pieces. Me helping her.
Let me say that again: me helping Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of our nine supreme court justices, to try on the clothing I had designed and made.
I could feel her strength, hidden within her small frame, like a super hero. She’s sharp and chuckled at my little jokes but her focus was on which piece she liked best.
No wishy washy, maybe, maybe not, Justice Ginsburg was as decisive as you would expect. After trying on the various options, she chose this one.
What an experience! I felt higher than the moon. Such an honor.
We had one more day for the show. Although I was floating a few inches off the floor, I did manage to stay tethered to the earth enough so I could visit with and help all the wonderful people who came by that final day.
Thank you Women’s Committee for creating such a fabulous event!
Ann, Lucky you! She’s an amazing woman and she’ll wear your jacket proudly.
Judith, I agree, RBG is a very amazing woman.
Love it!!
Thanks Susan!
Wowza! **And YOU EARNED IT!!** (…Can we see her blouse up-close now? –Or is that taboo?)
A great story. Thank you!
Thank you Kate!
Wowowow! Ruth’s got great taste, so no wonder she came back and made a purchase!
Thank you Karina!
What an honor, to make something that giant of a tiny woman wants to wear. It is a tribute to the artistry of your work.
Carol, yes, such an amazing honor.
Wow. Wow. Wow! And she looks great in your outfit.
Thank you Jamar!
This is fabulous. Certainly she will do the “justice” to the jacket that it deserves! How very proud you must feel…
Pat, Yes, you hit it on the nail, I am so very proud!
Absolutely thrilled you had this experience with the MOST IMPORTANT woman in our government. May the notorious RBG wear your jacket in good health for 10 years or more! XOXO
Will never forget how special it was to wear the outfit you made for me to the last Obama White House Christmas Party!
Judith, I agree, RBG is the most important woman in our government.
Sigh….such a great story! I’m so proud of you.
XO to you Deborah
What a wonderful and memorable experience. She is my hero. Thank you for sharing!
Judy, she’s my hero too!
What a wonderful experience for you, and Justice Ginsberg went away with a lovely jacket. I was very excited to have a few moments in your booth myself that day – after years of admiring your work from afar it was very exciting to see it in person.
I have to say that the reality is so much more beautiful than the pictures – not that there is anything wrong with the pictures but they can’t convey the amazing construction, gorgeous fabrics, and over all lovely presentation. Everything is so feather light, its almost unbelievable. Next time I hope to have more than a few minutes on the fly!
ceci
You are so right Ceci! Meeting Justice Ginsburg was most definitely wonderful!
Thank you! For the wonderful things you say about my work. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
But the wonderful thing is — RBG gets to take you with her.
Your insight, respect and reverence for every thread in your pieces and magnificent attention to detail.
I’d say you are well suited, RBG & you.
Well made and well chosen.