In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue have teamed with Rockefeller Center and national nonpartisan organization America250 to present United Flags of Fashion.
Leading American designers were invited to create original flags inspired by the states and territories of the U.S. Each participant reimagined one of the 50 state flags, five territory flags or Washington, D.C., offering their interpretation reflecting the nation’s diversity and cultural breadth.
The initiative will take over the state flags at the Rink at Rockefeller Center. More than 120 custom flags will be flown on the flag poles framing the Manhattan landmark from July 27 through Sept. 4. The installation will be accompanied by a launch event paying tribute to the legacy of American fashion.
Participating designers and brands include Altuzarra, Amiri, APL, Bode, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Chloe Gosselin, Christopher John Rogers, Coach, Cult Gaia, Diotima, Donna Karan, Gabriela Hearst, Gap Inc., Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, TWP and Willy Chavarria.
In addition, the Vogue flag, by artist Hazel Zavala, is a reinterpretation of the USA flag, drawing from the national heritage of quilt-making and the work of contemporary abstract American artists. CFDA commissioned illustrator Ruben Toledo to create a flag that represents the fashion organization. The Rockefeller Center flag was designed by Nell Diamond, founder and chief executive officer of Hill House Home, the lifestyle brand located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
“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,” said Anna Wintour, chief content officer, Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue.
“This moment in history provides us with a unique chance to honor the imagination, ingenuity and diversity that embody the American spirit. Fashion has long contributed to our nation’s story — showcasing its resilience, celebrating individuality and influencing cultures — and the CFDA is proud to be a part of the America250 celebration,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and president of the CFDA.
EB Kelly, senior managing director at Tishman Speyer and head of Rockefeller Center, said, “Rockefeller Center’s campus is a stage for designers, artists and brands to reimagine how culture is experienced in New York City. ‘America250: United Flags of Fashion’ honors the spirit of American creativity and craftsmanship while continuing Rockefeller Center’s legacy as a destination where art, fashion and public life intersect.”
“Fashion has always been a powerful expression of America’s creativity, identity and cultural evolution,” said 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 and defines the American spirit. Through the vision of these extraordinary designers, this installation will invite Americans and visitors from around the world to see our shared story reflected through the lens of fashion and design.”
The aim of America250 is to inspire Americans to reflect on the nation’s past, strengthen the love of country, and renew the commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage and unite people as a nation.
The United Flags of Fashion will be featured on a special microsite developed by design agency Porto Rocha. Upon the close of the United Flags of Fashion initiative, all flags will be donated to SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah, Ga., for preservation and future public exhibition.
