Msnbc covered a story this week about a French designer who has designed a controversial tank top to resemble a ripped, tattered, and burned American flag that is held together with safety pins.
The tee has a hefty price tag - $1,515 and knock-off versions have been popular at stores like Forever 21. Young celebrities like Ke$ha (I can't believe I actually spelled her name that way) and Kate Bosworth have been spotted wearing similar styles.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, a federal law about the proper use of the American flag, the flag should never be worn — but that’s only if the garment is made from an actual U.S. flag.
It's Feedback Friday...
Does this garment breach "flag etiquette"?
Does the fact that it appears tattered and burned make a difference? What if it looked new?
Does this shirt feel unpatriotic or is it just fashion?
Does the fact that it appears tattered and burned make a difference? What if it looked new?
Does this shirt feel unpatriotic or is it just fashion?
i don't think it breaches any etiquette, but that doesn't mean it's attractive. lol
ReplyDeleteGoing in a different direction from your questions, I think it's a statement on how we're perceived by other countries. Actually, more than that--I think it indicates the loss of credibility we have elsewhere. I hoped we'd get some of that back with Obama. This says to me there's more work to be done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah---it's a flag patterned tacky shirt (possibly disrespectful...or possibly reflecting the shambles this country is in?). Frankly I'm sure I've seen worse walking through the Walmart ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been a scout mom for too long. It bugs me that the stars are on the wrong side. I'm not necessarily opposed to someone wearing the flag as a fashion statement, but wear it the right way, for heaven's sake.
ReplyDeleteladies, you're so lucky to have a country that is, for better or for worse, united.
ReplyDeleteI wish italians would have an issue regarding the flag, not our prime minister being in and out of under age girls scandals... having said that, this is not balmain's best piece, in my opinion :)
The flag code refers to people actually defiling an actual American flag. It doesn't refer to an artist representation of the flag. For instance, I can wear a shirt that has a picture of a flag or the stars and stripes...but as long it wasn't made FROM a flag, it does not go against the US Flag code.
ReplyDeleteSuesan,
ReplyDeleteThe stars are to be on the top left when displayed. Looks like the person who put this together took it literally and put it on the left shoulder of the wearer, rather than the RIGHT shoulder so the viewer would see it correctly. ;)
I think it's ugly! But, as far as the wearing of flaggedness... to me the flag is just fabric. It's not what makes a country and I don't pledge my allegiance to a piece of fabric. We are so much more than a symbol.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that it's all that different from all the Union Jacks floating around in homewares and on clothing all over the world. I didn't blink when I looked at that garment. It's not attractive, and I wouldn't wear it, but it's not shocking and I don't read anything more into it than it's a piece of overpriced clothing. No metaphors or anything like that. Sometimes we read into things a little too much....
ReplyDeletethis is re-dick....whomever buys this piece of garbage is clearly trying to start a fight! or have all eyes on them...which is ugly!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Suesan. I'm more bothered that it is backward than the fact someone would dress in a flag shirt. I guess it wasn't upside down at least.
ReplyDeleteWell....while I don't personally find the use of the flag offensive....that shirt is particularly hideous....
ReplyDeleteok! it's been stated that it's ugly. it is! It is also backwards. It isn't technically against the flag etiquitte, but it is offensive and disrespectful. This will continue to get worse, as our children grow up without learning to respect our flag, our country, to pledge the flag...
ReplyDelete