United Flags of Fashion: A Celebration of American Design and Unity
In a vibrant display of American creativity and unity, the "United Flags of Fashion" installation recently premiered at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. This ambitious project, a collaborative effort by Vogue, the CFDA, America250, and Rockefeller Center, brought together over 100 renowned designers to reimagine the flags of every U.S. state and territory. The initiative serves as a prelude to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, offering a unique blend of historical tribute and contemporary artistic expression. The evening's festivities included a gathering of top design talents, emphasizing the fashion industry's role in reflecting and celebrating national identity.
On a recent Monday evening, the Rockefeller Center's upper plaza was abuzz with activity as an assembly of distinguished designers, including iconic figures such as Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch, posed for a commemorative photograph. This event marked the official unveiling of 130 redesigned flags, each a unique artistic interpretation of a U.S. state or territory. The "United Flags of Fashion" installation is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the American fashion community, aiming to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through innovative design. Many states saw multiple interpretations, showcasing a rich tapestry of creative visions for the same geographic locations.
As guests transitioned to The Rink for an evening of cocktails and refreshments, they were enveloped by the striking visual spectacle of the vibrant flags fluttering overhead. The atmosphere, a blend of sophisticated elegance and festive celebration, was perfectly complemented by the unexpected change in weather, with attendees finding shelter under large umbrellas. Prabal Gurung, a noted fashion designer and vice chair of the CFDA, articulated the evening's essence, describing it as a vibrant tribute to innovation and collective spirit. He emphasized the designers' shared purpose: to make individuals feel acknowledged and included, fostering a sense of solidarity and joy.
Many designers imbued their flag redesigns with deeply personal narratives and historical connections. Cynthia Rowley, for instance, drew upon her childhood in Illinois, weaving memories of its pastoral landscapes with Chicago's urban cultural impact into her design. Jameel Mohammed, founder of KHIRY, titled his Illinois flag "Free and Fighting," paying homage to the state's historical stance as a free state. He underscored the belief in a collective sense of purpose and unity. Brooklyn-based jeweler Bernard James found inspiration in New Hampshire's assertive motto, "Live Free or Die," aligning it with his brand's ethos of pursuing freedom and America's core values. For him, the exhibition symbolized a fusion of the nation's diverse and eclectic creative talent.
Other designers embraced the challenge of conceptualizing flags for regions they had no prior connection to. Maxwell Osborne of Public School recounted the creative freedom in reinterpreting Tennessee's flag, a state he had never visited. Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow, both native New Yorkers, transformed the flag's color scheme and consolidated its three stars into one, playfully suggesting their design as a potential new state flag. Adam and Ryan Goldston of APL also presented their rendition of the Tennessee flag, notably incorporating the University of Tennessee's distinctive checkerboard pattern, resulting in the exhibition's sole orange flag. Adam Goldston remarked on the unique opportunity to craft something with enduring legacy. Thom Browne, CFDA Chairman, concluded the evening's formal remarks by commending the vibrant display of creativity, diversity, and individuality as profoundly American, asserting that America's strength lies in its collective voices.
CFDA CEO Steven Kolb highlighted the meticulous research undertaken by designers into each state's history, culture, and geography. Anna Wintour extended her gratitude to the designers for their consistent participation and to her Vogue team, revealing that the project had been in development for over 18 months. The evening's artistic flair was further enhanced by a performance from Tony Award nominees Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, who delivered a captivating rendition of "America the Beautiful." As their duet concluded, a gentle rain began to fall, prompting guests to huddle under umbrellas, adding a touch of natural drama to the elegant affair, while trays of chocolate chip cookies and stracciatella gelato offered sweet comfort. Dao-Yi Chow of Public School reflected on the significance of celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary at Rockefeller Center, emphasizing the importance of showcasing diversity and extending this vision across the country.
