Is American Flag Fashion Fad or For Real?

We can thank LA-based brands American Apparel and Jeffrey Campbell for putting the 'American Flag Print' trend on BuzzFeed's 11 Tired Hipster Fashion Trends That Are All Over Instagram, but as much as people love to hate on hipsters, the trend of sporting stars and stripes among young people around the world is actually good for American brands. Beyond patriotism (genuine or not), the flag in commercial terms has represented quality, authenticity and aspiration. Bringing credibility and 'cool' back to the American flag print helps bring relevancy and value back to the "Made in the USA" tag inside of t-shirts, backpacks and even food.

There was a period when the Union Jack took over fashion and culture with influencers like the Sex Pistols and Spice Girls, now global superstars Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry and Lana Del Rey are doing their part in spreading the stars and stripes craze. With Memorial Day, July 4th and the Olympics coming up, there's isn't a better time for the American flag to make its way into closets and onto Forever 21 racks across America. Flag fashion is nothing new, but broadcasting the bright stars and bold stripes through facebook, twitter and instagram is something we'll all be getting used to this summer.

Here are examples of the American flag trend starting with this USA dress I designed and made last year for the USMNT Game vs. Argentina (thanks Hannah for modeling!):

Jeffrey Campbell Lita Platform Boots in USA Print

True Religion's Recent Ad Campaign

Lady Gaga & Beyonce killing it in the Telephone Music Video

Lana Del Rey looking cute with her pouty face

One of my favorite movies

Nothing like a Bud Heavy on a hot summer day

Charlotte Free for Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott