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The Collars of RBG: A Portrait of Justice

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A striking portrait of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her historic tenure on the United States Supreme Court, brought to life with incisive quotes and bold photographs of her iconic collars.

“RBG was unlike any other. So is this visual tribute to her.”—Pete Souza, #1 New York Times bestselling author of An Intimate Portrait


A PARADE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR


The collar is a powerful point of entry for exploring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and her tireless work on America’s highest court. The twenty-five neckpieces captured here—in over eighty stunning photographs by award-winning photographer Elinor Carucci—hoffer insight into RBG’s legacy. Her sharp use of language, a linchpin of her notorious dissents, is celebrated throughout, with quotes to support each collar and its story. The bold, ornate, and subversive collars she chose to wear on the bench communicated so much more. 

Shortly after RBG’s passing in September, 2020, Carucci was commissioned by Time magazine for a commemorative piece on the late justice, focused on the stories behind her legendary collars. Here, Carucci and co-author Sara Bader use each collar to highlight a defining career moment, from RBG’s earliest argument for gender equality to her support of immigration and marriage equality throughout her twenty-seven years on the bench. Some of her collars are well-known, like her dissent collar, or her favorite white beaded neckpiece that she wore for important portraits. Other collars are less familiar but tell poignant stories of artists, colleagues, friends, and fans whose gifts to Justice Ginsburg found meaning in her hands.

Small in stature but towering in influence, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was described as a titan, a civil rights hero, and most poetically, by her colleague Justice Stephen Breyer, “a rock of righteousness.” The Collars of RBG is an artful collection of moments from this warrior’s legacy, crystallizing the many ways RBG reshaped the cultural landscape for us all.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

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About the author

Elinor Carucci

13 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
1,130 reviews
November 28, 2023
Not the typical bio of RBG. I was aware of her dissent collar but wasn’t too familiar with the others. Like Madeleine Albright’s pins, these collars were usually meant to make a statement. The book includes photographs with up close detail of the collars and jabots, pictures of RBG wearing them on different occasions, and quotes from this inspiring woman that we will never stop missing.
Profile Image for Kristina.
234 reviews26 followers
October 3, 2023
If I was the type of person that owns a coffee table, this would be its book. At 224 pages, it explores more than collars -- discussing Justice Ginsburg's life, career, and major Supreme Court opinions (and dissents 😉)A timeline at the end taught me that the first female federal judge and SCOTUS law clerk were appointed/hired during her lifetime, in addition to Justice O'Connor's appointment as the first female Justice. There are women in history that have opened doors and shattered ceilings, and then there's Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her career is fascinating to me, not least of which because so much of it was conducted in rooms full of men.

As far as the collars go, my favorite was the lace collar given to her by her alma mater Columbia University to commemorate her 25th year on SCOTUS. The book describes the artist working for over 300 hours with hurting back and hands to make it. There's something very romantic about an artist using such an historic medium to create something of such beauty for a member of the Court. I loved learning more about RBG's collars and life and, well, I'll likely buy this for my house at some point, but thanks anyway for the ARC, NetGalley.
Profile Image for Keri.
13 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
This was a great book. I loved the combination of photos and stories about important times in Ruth's life. The photos were awesome. The details were spot on. You can tell that a lot of care was put into getting the photos just right. As I was going through and reading the stories, it made me gain a deeper appreciation for RBG. The stories were succinct and to the point, easily digestible without being too long. I loved the photos in this book so much that I even purchased a physical copy to gift to my sister for Christmas.
Profile Image for Bill Sleeman.
794 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2025
A fun and informative read. Learning about the collars and why or when Justice Ginsburg selected to wear one of them reminded me of the book about Dolly Parton's stage costumes which I had read last year. There was the same sense of purposeful statement of personal style as a form of communication in both their outfits. A good read for those interested in Justice Ginsburg and / or fashion and design, if those interest overlap - then it is a perfect choice.
Profile Image for Anna Wooliver Phillips.
275 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2023
What a beautiful book. Detailed close ups of RBG’s most famed collars do not disappoint, juxtaposed against a backdrop of pictures and stories behind them and the woman that wore them. RIP, madam.
Profile Image for Poppy Marlowe.
569 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2023
Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*****************************************************************************************************
A striking portrait of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her historic tenure on the United States Supreme Court brought to life with bold photographs and stories of her iconic collars.

The collar is a powerful point of entry for exploring Justice Ginsburg's life and her tireless work on America’s highest court. Over time, Justice Ginsburg replaced traditional lace jabots with bold, ornate and subversive collars to communicate dissent, integrity, friendship, and so much more.

The Collars of RBG highlights the stories behind twenty-five of Justice Ginsburg's iconic collars. These neckpieces, captured in over eighty photographs, represent the lives she touched, the values she defended, and historic Supreme Court opinions. Some of her collars are well-known, like her infamous dissent collar, or her favourite white beaded neckpiece from Cape Town that she wore for important portraits. Other collars are less familiar but tell poignant, never-before-shared stories of artists, colleagues, friends, and fans whose gifts to Justice Ginsburg found meaning in her hands.

Small in stature but towering in influence, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was described as a titan, a warrior, a civil rights hero, and most poetically, by her colleague Justice Stephen Breyer, "a rock of righteousness." Ginsburg's sharp use of language, a linchpin of her infamous dissents, is celebrated throughout, with quotes to support each collar and its story. The Collars of RBG is an artful collection of moments from this warrior's legacy, crystallizing the many ways RBG reshaped the cultural landscape for us all.

I always assumed that RBG’s collars meant something, and this showed me what they did and it was interesting to learn their meanings and their names. (They even sell replicas of them on Etsy and Amazon along with earrings and necklaces in the same patterns!) As someone who worked in a library with a strict dress code in the 1990s, we often wore lace collars over our allowed plain, boring, solid-coloured dresses or skirt-blouse combination as they were in style and I always likened them to RBG … not that mine had any reason behind them besides having bought them at Laura Ashley!
This is not a casual read but it is a great read: RBG is one of the most inspiring and brilliant feminist icons out there … I am DECIDEDLY NOT a feminist (Meg Walker ruined it for me) so for me to say that, it’s a big deal. (She has also been described as a humanist, a term with which I have fewer issues.) Excellently written and utterly fascinating, I will recommend this book to friends, family and patrons alike.
#shortbutsweetreviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Reid.
414 reviews39 followers
December 4, 2023
The Collars of RBG: A Portrait of Justice by Elinor Carucci and Sara Bader (Clarkson Potter Publishers, November 2023) is a lovely coffee table book celebrating the unique personality and strong political influence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with detailed photographs of her legendary collars.

The text of the book highlights the origin of each collar (when known) as well as the meaning behind it for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, such as when she wore it in order to make her trademark statements about the decisions of the Supreme Court. Some of the informational pages for the collars also has a photo from Ginsburg’s life, either featuring a time she wore the collar, or another significant time in her life, such as a family or personal photo. Each collar has an overview photo as well as detail photos to highlight the unique and gorgeous features. In between the instructional pages and the photographical pages are pages with a quote from Ginsburg in the center, some of which feature an all-black background to match the black background of the collar photographs.

I read a digital review copy of this book and so I did not get the full impact of the gorgeous contrast between the white and bright collars and the black backgrounds. Yet even without the physical copy and the double-page spread layout, I could feel the gravity as well as significance of this book and can imagine the heft it would add to a coffee table as a discussion starter or simply as an artistic book to browse. It’s gorgeous as well as highly relevant for anyone who admires RBG and would like a lasting physical memorial for display and to read to remember her life and legacy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Courtney R..
108 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2024
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"The Collars of RBG: A Portrait of Justice" offers a poignant and visually striking tribute to the iconic Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Elinor Carucci's evocative photographs, paired with Sara Bader's insightful commentary, create a compelling portrait of a trailblazer whose impact resonates far beyond the courtroom.

Carucci's lens captures the essence of Justice Ginsburg in a series of intimate and powerful photographs, highlighting not only her role as a jurist but also the person behind the robe. The symbolic collars, each chosen with purpose and meaning, become a visual narrative that transcends the legal realm, providing a unique perspective on the life and legacy of a remarkable woman.

Sara Bader's commentary complements the visual narrative by delving into the significance of the collars and their connection to Justice Ginsburg's jurisprudence. Bader's words add depth to the images, offering readers a richer understanding of the symbolism embedded in each accessory and its reflection of Justice Ginsburg's commitment to equality and justice.

"The Collars of RBG" succeeds in humanizing a legal giant, presenting a multifaceted portrait that goes beyond the usual depictions of justices. The collaboration between Carucci and Bader results in a seamless blend of art and commentary, creating a book that pays homage to Justice Ginsburg's impactful career while celebrating her as a person of resilience and grace.
Profile Image for Moonkiszt.
3,099 reviews333 followers
June 23, 2023
Within the covers of The Collars of RBG is a not-to-be-missed tour of Ruth Bader Ginsberg's collar collection. . .in an arresting presentation that will be an art piece on its own wherever it sits in home, office or public display.

Authors Elinor Carucci and Sara Bader describe the genesis and execution of the project, RBG's reasons for having and wearing them - each of which had meaning specific to her daily purposes and intentions. Twenty-five of RBG's collars (jabots) are presented and addressed with the serious study and sober display accorded artifacts of Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, and Elizabeths I & II, Themselves!

Presented with their name, along with histories of significance/meaning to RBG, and the occasions on which they were usually worn, including quotes from RBG's long career that underscored her many battles, won and lost. Here are a just few: Lace, Majority, Dissent, Pegasus, Advocacy, Stiffelio, Pride, Anu and Sunrise.

The photography is truly reverential and serious, carrying throughout the book the respect and recognition the authors, nation and world has for Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her life's work.

A stunning book. Not to be missed.

*A Sincere Thank You to Elinor Carucci, Sara Bader, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.* #TheCollarsofRBG #NetGalley Pub date: 14 Nov 2023
Profile Image for Nikki (nikkis.novel.ideas).
134 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2023
"The Collars of RBG" by Elinor Carucci and Sara Bader is a journey through Ruth Bader Ginsburg's time serving on the Supreme Court, told through photographs of her collars, the stories behind them, and quotes from Ginsburg about her life. In this non-fiction book, the authors using stunning photos of RBG's well-known neck pieces to take readers on a journey through her trailblazing work on the highest court in the land.

While RBG was famous for the collars and jabots she wore during her time on the bench, this book does not reduce her to her styling, but rather uses it to enhance the legacy of a woman who fought for equal protection for all under the United States Constitution. The photographs are stunning, and feature close-ups of the detail within each piece, as well as information on their creation when it is available. I found the stories some of the artists shared about what it meant to them to design for Ginsburg particularly moving, and "The Collars of RBG" is a very worthwhile introspection on the indomitable woman who wore them.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews99 followers
November 12, 2023
*Some people wear T shirts to project their views and stances, RBG knew how
to express herself within the boundaries dictated by her place on the
bench. Almost everyone knows that RBG loved wearing her collars (aka jabots),
a trend she started with peer Sandra Day O'Connor to feminize and reclaim
their robe-attire. This book is the behind the scenes of the how, why, and
from whom (and frequently) where of RBGs most famous collars is truly
fascinating.
*The detailed pictures help bring the stories to light (almost literally)
*I was able to see just how much others loved RBG in their gifts to her
*RBG may no longer be with us, but her legacy and memory is a blessing and
the histories of her contribution to the law.
I requested and received an EARC on Adobe Digital Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!
Profile Image for Margaret.
352 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2023
Pros: I loved this book about the many collars of Justice Ginsburg. The photography throughout is fantastically detailed, which was a beautiful way to view the beads, lace, and other materials that made Justice Ginsburg’s varied collars. Accompanying the photographs is information about each collar, including who made the collar (most surprisingly, Anthopologie and Banana Republic!) and where Justice Ginsburg wore the collars (weddings, SCOTUS portraits, States of the Union, oral arguments, etc). I thought the information about how Justices O’Connor and Ginsburg feminized their robes (which were made for men) with their collars and pockets was fascinating.

Cons: None!

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Lindsay Kinney.
59 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
This art book captures the pure poetry in the collection of collars Ruth Bader Ginsburg wore throughout her time on the Supreme Court of the United States.
I love the history, beauty, and skill unique to craftspeople and the delicate work they created in these collars, necklaces, jabots, and ties.
I enjoyed especially the way she used her collars to make statements sartorially. Clothing can be used and employed as so much more than covering or protection. Here, RBG can inspire us all to consider the ways our whole presence can impart messaging in an impactful way. This held unexpected depth—I only wish the book ended with more portraits of her wearing the collars in situ.
Profile Image for Taylor.
348 reviews141 followers
May 28, 2023
Omg I’m seriously so happy RBG’s collars are the main theme of a whole picture/history book. I’m a lady lawyer myself and have a whole RBG shrine. It’s always neat to read about our beloved angel RBG from differing perspectives. This one is about why she wore collars in the first place, features them, and discusses what they meant to her and came to symbolize to the world. I did learn a lot from this I did not know prior. Can’t wait until this pubs so I can add it to my collection!

Thank you SO MUCH to Clarkson Potter, NetGalley & the authors for the e-galley!
Profile Image for LaShanda Chamberlain.
622 reviews35 followers
June 13, 2023
What an awesome tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her various collars & jabots. Using her distinctive collars & jabots, authors Carucci & Bader covered the arc of RBG’s career & her lasting impact on our judicial system. She may have been a small, petite woman but she left an impressive mark on this country.

Thanks in NetGalley, Elinor Carucci, Sara Bader & Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alyssa Bernhardt.
31 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2023
This is a wonderful collection of stories about RBG and her infamous collars. It was so lovely to get the story behind some of her collars and the connections of the moments they were worn. I was delightfully surprised to know that some of these collars were mass produced necklaces that she found a new use for. This is the perfect coffee table book and I can’t wait to share with my fellow feminists!
339 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2023
Thanks to this tribute book to RBG, my shopping list has just been reduced. The beautiful photographs along with the provenance of the collars as well as quotes by RBG is truly a fascinating read. She did not select her collars to wear randomly; there was a reason and purpose to the selection so expect to have a chuckle or two. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Clarkson Potter for an advanced review copy; the review is my honest opinion.
755 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2024
More about the legal highlights and case studies of RBG's career than I expected, Carucci manages to make legal theory quite engaging. RBG's legal career is in many ways the story of the ongoing struggle of equal right as it has been fought for in the courts. Carucci, with RBG's personal life story lending much added interest, brings these legal stories to life while making the legal theory and strategy compelling on their own.
Profile Image for Mayelly.
31 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
The portraits of RBG's collars were more than just a photographic documentation exercise, it was an exploration of her life and the creative crafts (both their history and the artists) that brought about these sartorial pieces that were part of her work attire. This book was a museum exhibit encapsulated in a book and while I recommend this read to all, I invite artists (particularly those studying and doing fashion and jewelry making) to check it out.
Profile Image for Vnunez-Ms_luv2read.
901 reviews27 followers
June 10, 2023
Very good book on the amazing collard this trailblazing woman graced us with. The story behind the collar and when it was worn made for a great read. I truly was floored with this book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.
Profile Image for Andrea Engle.
2,080 reviews61 followers
November 29, 2023
Superb, splendid, stellar photography!!! … a true art book, plus a mini-biography of the amazing Ruth Bader Ginsburg through the history of her decorative collars, plus quotations from her many words of wisdom … I’m inspired to create my own replica RBG collar … and, if that is successful, craft RBG collars for some of the women on my 2024 Christmas List … utterly phenomenal!!!
Profile Image for Meagan.
626 reviews14 followers
January 19, 2024
This book is a wonderful tribute to Justice Ginsburg. The collars within are beautifully photographed and the anecdotes the author shares with each entry made me cry. I was not prepared to be so emotional during my reading of this book, but I think it is a testament to an extraordinary woman and her enduring legacy.
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,579 reviews1,033 followers
May 30, 2024
This book looks at some of the many collars RBG wore throughout her long career. Each collar had a very specific meaning; RBG was very careful in her selection of what collar to wear when. Many of the collars were gifted to her by individuals/groups who wanted to convey their appreciation for a particular position she supported. A fascinating look at this iconic American.
Profile Image for Michelle.
843 reviews32 followers
June 6, 2023
I read this while wearing my "Notorious RBG" t-shirt. Loved the pictures, stories, and quotes. What a wonderful way to honor an amazing woman.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 reviews
November 27, 2023
A neat way to look at and examine RBG's life. The photos of each collar are beautiful and show a lot of detail. The stories that accompany the photos are interesting. A great coffee table book to share!
967 reviews27 followers
December 18, 2023
This was very informative and I enjoyed seeing her different collars. I miss her being on the court.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review,
Profile Image for Peter Z..
211 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2023
Nobody cares. And she should have resigned with whatever dignity was left long before she went.
Profile Image for Sharon.
12 reviews
November 22, 2023
This is an art book. A glorious pictorial of collars of RBG with accompanying inspirational quotes. A book to treasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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