Designers gathered at Rockefeller Center to showcase artistic reinterpretations of American flags in honor of the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.
Key facts
- •The installation includes 130 flags representing every U.S. state and territory.
- •More than 100 designers participated in the project to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- •CFDA Chairman Thom Browne opened the remarks at approximately 6:45 p.m. at The Rink at Rockefeller Center.
- •Designers including Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tory Burch attended the unveiling.
- •The project was a collaboration between Vogue, the CFDA, America250, and Rockefeller Center.
On Monday evening, Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) hosted an event at Rockefeller Center to unveil the "United Flags of Fashion" installation. The project features 130 flags representing every U.S. state and territory, each reimagined by more than 100 designers. The initiative, created in partnership with America250 and Rockefeller Center, serves as a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Designers Interpret State Identities
The installation features multiple creative visions for individual states, with designers drawing on personal history, regional culture, and historical milestones. Cynthia Rowley designed an Illinois flag inspired by her childhood memories of the state's rural landscapes and Chicago’s cultural influence. In contrast, Jameel Mohammed of KHIRY created an Illinois flag titled "Free and Fighting," which honors the state’s entry into the Union as a free state.
Creative Approaches to Legacy
Designers also explored states outside their own personal backgrounds. Public School’s Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow redesigned the Tennessee flag by shifting its palette toward blue and condensing its stars. Adam and Ryan Goldston of APL also reimagined the Tennessee flag, incorporating the University of Tennessee’s checkerboard pattern. Bernard James, a jeweler based in Brooklyn, drew inspiration from New Hampshire’s "Live Free or Die" motto to reflect his brand's focus on freedom.
Remarks on American Creativity
The event featured remarks from CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, who described the collection as a display of "pure American" creativity and individuality. Browne emphasized that the nation is defined by a collective of diverse voices rather than a single one. Prabal Gurung, the CFDA vice chair, noted that the gathering was intended to celebrate community and solidarity among creators.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Vogue.
