District Icon of Jewelry Design: Ann Hand Makes Patriotism Stylish
With election season gearing up, we’re likely to see a lot of bland pantsuits and patriotic ties. But some candidates (or their fashionable wives) will don luxe eagle pins or rhinestone flags, the signature of Ann Hand, a woman who’s far more of a D.C. insider than the politicians who come here every few years. The jeweler known for Americana-themed baubles started her eponymous boutique (4885 MacArthur Blvd. NW; 202-333-2979) in 1988. She shares her memories.
Are patriotic fashions trendier during election season?
There’s no question: yes. Every cycle, we do what we call a rhinestone poll. We’ve done this for several elections, where we make pins for all the candidates and then we watch them dwindle down to election day. It’s always so moving to watch people come in and buy things to support their candidate.
You just made a pin to commemorate President Reagan’s centennial celebration. How do you remain nonpartisan?
It’s our policy that we are nonpartisan and always have been. These American symbols really belong to everybody. There is no partisanship when it comes to patriotism, so I’ve always designed for everyone.
How has Washington style changed over the years?
When I started out doing this 24 years ago, no one wanted to wear anything patriotic. It was rather interesting, but we stuck with it because that’s just where my passion is. Slowly, more and more people wanted to wear these historical and patriotic designs, and especially after 9/11 more people were drawn to them.
Do you think Washington women are stylish?
Oh, I think the Washington woman is sadly underrated. I think that so many of them just dress so beautifully, and, unfortunately, many, especially those who are married to someone who serves in political life, don’t feel they can step out too much. They have constituents back home, and they have to be thoughtful about how they appear.
Who’s your D.C. style icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy. I think she did a lot to make women aware of how they dressed. That was still the Grace Kelly era, and that’s what I’m partial to. I’ve seen Mrs. Obama wear similar clothing, with a modern interpretation and brighter colors.
So many politicians and first ladies have worn your designs. Were you ever shocked to see a woman wearing Ann Hand?
The first time that I saw Hillary Clinton on the cover of a magazine wearing our pin, I thought, “Wow.” It was such a memorable moment for us, because we were just getting starting, and she was photographed wearing our eagle. I’ll never forget it.
Photo by Marge Ely
