Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Lorraine Schwartz, Reed Krakoff, Alexis Bittar, and Bernard James were among the cohort of fashion and jewelry designers asked to participate in United Flags of Fashion, a project of Vogue magazine and the CFDA in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The designers created original flags inspired by all the U.S. states and territories. These United Flags of Fashion are now flying above the famous skating rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City, through Sept. 4. Rockefeller Center and the nonpartisan organization America250 were also partners on the initiative.
Harwell Godfrey tells JCK she immediately accepted the invitation to participate in United Flags because it allowed her to explore themes of identity and place using something as iconic and democratic as a flag.
“For me, it was an opportunity to tell the story of Arkansas, where my grandmother was born, through a more inclusive lens,” says Harwell Godfrey. “The existing flag reflects one historical perspective; I wanted mine to tell a broader story by celebrating the state’s natural beauty, Indigenous history, and its unique place as home to America’s only public diamond mine.”
She distilled those ideas into simple graphic forms: concentric triangles that evoke the state’s mountainous landscape while subtly forming an A, repeating geometry to honors Native American tribes of Arkansas, and a white triangle at the base that suggests the culet of a diamond.
It was incredibly moving for Harwell Godfrey to see her flag installed at the Manhattan landmark. People at CFDA and Vogue had no idea she had a personal connection to Arkansas when they’d invited her to design for the event, she says.
Harwell Godfrey describes the “unforgettable” grandmother who helped inspire her as “vivacious, creative, fun-loving, and always impeccably put together. She adored jewelry, had an incredible sense of style, and approached life with joy and curiosity.
“I think my appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and adornment traces back to her,” the designer adds.
Here is a look at what else made JCK’s collective brain click this week.
News Worth Reading
Hot takes abound regarding the rumors that De Beers may sell for $1 billion. (subscription needed)
De Beers India debuts “Love, From Bestie” friendship-centric campaign.
Trans Atlantic Gem Sales’ recent tender had prices exceeding expectations.
Italian Exhibition Group and others set to host second edition of Dubai Diamond Week in October.
California watch retailer Collective Horology filed suit against the Trump administration, alleging its new tariffs are unlawful.
The recently formed Qatar Diamond Exchange has joined the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
Singer Madison Beer is engaged—and her ring is a doozy, jewelry experts agreed.
25Karats offers a precious metals calculator for anyone’s use.
Pomellato unveiled its first campaign with Chinese actress Yang Zi as a global ambassador. (subscription needed)
Hermès’ second-quarter results show strong growth in jewelry and watches. (subscription needed)
Lithuania-based resale platform Vinted is making moves inside the United States.
Bucherer will run the new Rolex megastore in New York City.
Beverly Hills jeweler Martin Katz partnered with a NYC hotel for a luxury tennis—and tennis bracelet—experience.
The Wall Street Journal dives into why LVMH’s often-silent chairman Bernard Arnault is now coming forward to defend his family. (subscription needed)
Consumer confidence dipped in July.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady—but three officials voted to raise them.
Sissy’s Log Cabin adds a unique location to its store mix: on the casino floor.
Gemfields gave its six-month update.
Obsessions
Great feature on Champagne Gem’s Bebe Bakhshi, one of the hardest-working jewelry influencers in the business.
The heat around Heated Rivalry has cooled, but some companies, such as Under Armour, are still picking up its stars for new brand campaigns.
Hail to the 1990s—the Gap is bringing back its fragrances from the decade, and we can’t wait.
The Literary Jewel Box takes a look at why humans started wearing jewelry.
Jewelers Circle does a deep dive on Cartier’s early years.
Speaking of Cartier, the new Black Panther sure likes the brand.
Podcast Queue
The Business of Watches interviews Remi Guillemin, Christie’s head of watches for the Americas, Europe, and Middle East.
The Luxury Item chats about cruise retail with Starboard’s Lisa Bauer.
Pass the Torch goes behind the bench to talk to jewelry tool maker (and jeweler) Peter Gilroy at Bonny Doon HQ in Taos, N.M.
The Plumb Club podcast goes deep into colored gemstones with Adam Bassalali of Lali Jewels.
Video Yaya
Mining.com takes a look at the copper market.
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
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