CFDA and Vogue Unveil “United Flags of Fashion” to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue have joined forces with Rockefeller Center and America250 to launch “United Flags of Fashion,” an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Unveiled at The Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York on July 27, the project brings together more than 120 designers to reinterpret the flags of all 50 states and six U.S. territories through the lens of fashion.

Summary

Weaving America’s Many Voices Into Its Flags

For the project, some participating designers were assigned their home states, while others were asked to interpret places where they had never lived. Each participant explored the history, culture, natural environment, and industries of their assigned region before reconstructing its flag through a fashion-driven perspective.

CFDA Chairman Thom Browne described the initiative as a reflection of the many voices that shape the country.

“A lot has changed since Betsy Ross created one of the first flags in 1776,” Browne noted, “and now, our stories are sewn into the fabric of America, here to stay and serve as a reminder that America is not made up of one voice, it’s made up of all of ours.”

Regional Culture Reimagined Through Design

CFDA CEO and President Steven Kolb highlighted the research that informed the designers’ individual interpretations.

“They took the task seriously, researching each state’s history, culture, landscape, and people,” Kolb explained. “Some drew inspiration from nature; others considered history, industry, Indigenous cultures, music, and architecture.”

Together, the more than 130 flags reflect the cultural breadth and evolving identities of communities across the United States. Rather than defining a national milestone through a single image, the installation brings multiple histories and perspectives into one shared public space.

American Fashion Leaders Gather at Rockefeller Center

The unveiling brought together designers including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Christopher John Rogers, Stacey Bendet, Willy Chavarria, and Todd Snyder.

Broadway performers Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts, both Tony Award nominees for “Two Strangers – (Carry a Cake Across New York),” provided the evening’s music. Their performance included a rendition of “God Bless America,” along with a song from the Broadway production.

Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, introduced the performers with a playful reference to the country’s tradition of welcoming newcomers.

“No flag raising is complete without [music], and I’m pleased to tell you we have the wonderful, brilliantly talented Tony nominees Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts from Broadway’s ‘Two Strangers – (Carry a Cake Across New York)’ to provide it,” Wintour said. “As an adopted American, I know that this country is all about embracing newcomers, so of course we must all forgive Sam for being a Brit.”

Browne positioned the unveiling as both a celebration of American design and a reminder of the importance of creative expression.

“This is a moment to celebrate creativity in America on its 250th anniversary. At a time when it’s never been more urgent to tell important stories, standing here amongst true creatives is and will always be such a privilege.”

“United Flags of Fashion” will remain on view at The Rink at Rockefeller Center through September 4, 2026. Following the exhibition, all flags will be donated to the SCAD Museum of Art for preservation and future public display.

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