As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the fashion industry is contributing to the celebration through a collaborative initiative titled "United Flags of Fashion." This project, spearheaded by Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), involves a diverse group of American designers who have reimagined the flags of each U.S. state and territory, alongside Washington D.C. This ambitious undertaking aims to reflect the nation's core values of courage, optimism, freedom, and opportunity, while fostering a more inclusive and forward-looking future. The collection of over 120 distinct flag designs will be unveiled at Rockefeller Center's Rink, transforming the iconic space from July 27 to September 4. Prior to the public display, these unique creations were captured by photographer Don Brodie for Vogue's Summer Issue.
This initiative not only commemorates a significant historical milestone but also highlights fashion's integral role in shaping America's cultural narrative. Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA, emphasizes that fashion has consistently demonstrated the nation's resilience, celebrated individuality, and influenced global cultures. The project showcases the imaginative and diverse spirit of American designers, with each flag serving as a testament to their unique perspectives and creative processes. From Tory Burch's Pennsylvania flag, incorporating a reenvisioned Liberty Bell, to Coach's Stuart Vevers drawing inspiration from 19th-century patchwork quilts for Nevada, these designs blend historical references with contemporary artistry. This collaborative effort stands as a proud tribute to the country's anniversary, celebrating American ingenuity and community.
Reimagining American Identity Through Designer Flags
In a unique collaboration, Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have launched the "United Flags of Fashion" project, inviting a diverse array of American designers to reinterpret the flags of every U.S. state and territory, including Washington D.C. This initiative celebrates the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary by showcasing the core American ideals of courage, optimism, freedom, and opportunity. Over 120 distinct flag designs will be displayed at Rockefeller Center's Rink from July 27 to September 4, offering a vibrant and creative tribute to American identity.
The "United Flags of Fashion" project brings together a wide range of design talent, each offering a personalized vision of their chosen state or territory flag. Tory Burch's Pennsylvania flag, for instance, thoughtfully incorporates a reimagined Liberty Bell, symbolizing freedom and democratic principles, drawing on her childhood experiences with Pennsylvania Dutch quilts. Similarly, Coach's Stuart Vevers looked to the rich history of 19th-century American patchwork quilts for his Nevada design, blending folklore with prairie florals and lyrics from the state's official song. Zac Posen, representing Gap Inc. for California, adopted an abstract approach, using denim—a fabric deeply connected to the state's Gold Rush history—to celebrate craft and American style. These diverse interpretations collectively reflect the multifaceted nature of American culture and history through the lens of contemporary fashion design.
Diverse Artistic Expressions and Their Inspirations
The project highlights how individual designers infuse their specific perspectives and creative processes into each flag, resulting in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Diane Von Furstenberg's Connecticut flag, for example, is a vibrant and bold celebration of "the power of kindness." Rachel Scott of Diotima and Proenza Schouler, designing for the U.S. Virgin Islands, drew upon Caribbean intellectual traditions, where opacity serves as a form of resistance, creating a conceptual piece rooted in the islands' unique visual language.
Further showcasing the breadth of inspiration, Tommy Hilfiger's New York flag incorporates his brand's signature red, white, and blue, blending his upstate upbringing with the optimistic spirit of sailing. Michael Kors, also representing New York, aimed to capture the state's diverse natural beauty, from the urban landscape of New York City to the wilderness of the Adirondacks. Calvin Klein's New York flag, influenced by its Bronx-born founder, embodies a minimalist and timeless aesthetic. Ralph Lauren, a Bronx neighbor of Klein, drew inspiration from his childhood perceptions of wild cowboys and the prodigious possibilities represented by Colorado, now his second home. Even Vogue itself has a flag designed by artist Hazel Zavala, reinterpreting the U.S. banner through the national heritage of quiltmaking, further emphasizing the project's dedication to celebrating American creativity and national pride.