On 4 July, America celebrated its semiquincentennial (to normal folks, that means its 250th birthday), and the celebrations are still raging on. From fireworks displays to White House lawn UFC fights, it's been an unconventional anniversary to say the least, but thankfully Vogue has it covered when it comes to celebrating in style.
At New York City's iconic Rockefeller Centre, 130 custom flags created by some of the most iconic brands in fashion were displayed, representing each of America's beloved states. A collaboration between Vogue and the CFDA, the 'United Flags of Fashion' installation celebrates the diverse creative legacy of America's history and its people.
Over 100 designers took part in the United Flags of Fashion installation, with some states interpreted by multiple creatives, resulting in a diverse array of designs. Among the ranks were fashion icons such as Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch.
While some took a playful route, like Norma Kamali's Massachusetts homage featuring a pair of Red Sox, others looked inwards for inspiration. “You can take the girl out of Illinois, but you can't take Illinois out of the girl,” Cynthia Rowley explained to Vogue, drawing from a mix of the state's rural setting and the cultural beacon of Chicago.
For others, it was a chance to flex their brand's aesthetic. Tommy Hilfiger took a more understated approach, pairing its iconic navy, white and red palette with imagery from nautical signal flags for a preppy, all-American take on New York. Calvin Klein, on the other hand, delivered a plain flag with 'New York' written in its signature clean, sans-serif font. At least it's on brand, for better or for worse.
“The flags are a reminder of how creativity and making beautiful things are twin sources of national pride. All the fashion designers we spoke to were thrilled to make flags, and they took to the project joyfully. The result is a tribute to the country’s anniversary we can all be proud of,” says Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue.
“Fashion has always been a powerful expression of America’s creativity, identity, and cultural evolution,” added Rosie Rios, chair of America250. “As we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, United Flags of Fashion offers a bold and inspiring tribute to the artistry that defines the American spirit."
Explore all the United Flags of Fashion.
For more design news, check out The Economist's provocative America250 cover art or take a look at Donald Trump's new US passport design.
