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Iconic times A-listers have rocked the Union Jack from Geri Halliwell, to Kate Moss and Taylor Swift – after school came under fire for banning flag-themed outfit

BBG News

This week, a school sparked controversy when they isolated a top-performing student for donning a Union Jack dress during their cultural celebration day.

12-year-old Courtney Wright donned a dress reminiscent of the Spice Girls while expressing her pride in being British and delivering a speech on historical topics during the festivities held at Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Instead, the Year 7 student was informed that the dress was not acceptable and was asked to wait in reception until her astonished father, Stuart Field (age 47), arrived to pick her up.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the Union Jack, even amidst trends changing swiftly, continues to be a striking fashion statement in mainstream culture. Many renowned personalities have proudly donned this symbol throughout the years.

Notable personalities are remembered for their stylish appearances in Union Jack ensembles; Geri Halliwell being a prime example, as her union jack-inspired minidress has become closely associated with her.

Moreover, she’s definitely not alone in this; many others, including popular American personalities, have hopped aboard the bandwagon, publicly expressing their admiration for British culture.

Geri Halliwell

Without a doubt, Geri, age 52, made a striking appearance at the 1997 BRIT Awards, donning a mini dress adorned with the well-known Union Jack design.

Accompanied by her fellow Spice Girls members Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Mel C, and Emma Bunton, Geri undeniably drew stares with her bold outfit.

Geri herself crafted the legendary design, sewing a tea towel onto the front of a ’50s-inspired black minidress by Gucci, as it turns out.

Over time, it has become a famous symbol in popular culture, and Geri’s distinctive style has served as inspiration for numerous party outfits. Many people have sought to emulate her look ever since.

The remarkable attire not only stands out but also earned the title as the most costly pop star wardrobe item ever sold at an auction, fetching a whopping £41,320 back in 1998.

Kate Moss

Model Kate Moss, aged 51, has frequently donned Union Jack attire throughout her career, providing numerous stylish and “nationally proud” fashion statements.

In the recent past, I proudly donned a jacket adorned with the national flag as a tribute during the Platinum Jubilee festivities in June 2022 – an event that took place mere months before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September of the same year.

She donned the outfit as she hopped aboard an open-top bus with Naomi Campbell (age 52) for the 1990s Times of Our Lives commemoration, cruising down The Mall.

During the Platinum Jubilee festivities in 2022, it wasn’t just Kate who joined the craze of wearing Union Jack attire; even Cliff Richard donned a Union Jack jacket as well, joining in the celebration.

In 2012, fashion designer Jasmine Guinness donned a garment with the national flag during celebrations for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, which occurred a decade prior to this year.

On that occasion in 1997, when Kate made headlines by kick-starting London Fashion Week, it wasn’t the first time she showcased her pride with the flag, as she wore a sweater adorned with the Union Jack.

Back in 2016, Kate accessorized her pose during a Vogue photo session by donning a real Union Jack flag across her shoulders.

Taylor Swift 

Despite being an American, Taylor (aged 35), has demonstrated her familiarity with the Union Jack, even donning a full Britannia outfit during one of her performances.

2013 saw Taylor commence her act at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, donning a mini-dress adorned with the Union Jack design.

Despite the event happening in New York instead of London, her attire was an unexpected selection; however, it remains one of her most iconic styles.

Taylor Swift, the artist who made Shake It Off famous, confidently showcased her style in a mini dress with a jacket design that resembled a flag. As she moved, the back of the dress expanded dramatically like a cape.

She completed her outfit by adding coordinating peep-toe pumps and a mini top hat, adopting a distinctly British style in her attire.

Rita Ora 

Two years after Taylor, singer Rita, aged 34, similarly donned a design inspired by her nation’s flag as she graced the stage in New York City.

Rita showcased an artistic style when she wore a leather jacket adorned with the Union Jack, featuring some distressing.

At Fashion Rocks 2014 in Brooklyn, she deliberately drew attention as she took the stage, an event that was skillfully organized by Three Lions Entertainment.

At approximately the same period, Rita adorned herself with a genuine Union Jack during the music video production of her 2015 single “Body On Me.

In the video, she gave a suggestive performance, wearing minimal clothing beneath the flag and dancing rhythmically to her provocative music.

In that moment, Rita referred to the music video as her “most personal” one to date, hinting at its playful sequences.

Dua Lipa 

In an addition to numerous pop artists adopting the Union Jack fashion, Dua, aged 29, similarly showcased a ’60s-inspired outfit while delivering her remarkable performance at the BRIT Awards.

At the 2021 event held at the O2 Arena, the artist known for her levitating tunes stepped onto the stage wearing a mini dress styled as a Union Jack jacket.

After removing her coat, it became clear that beneath it, she wore a tiny Union Jack skirt to match. This playful revelation offered a peek at her thong and stockings.

At the glamorous event, the performer delighted her audience by singing a mix of her most popular songs.

It seems that Dua’s fashion selection was a subtle tribute to Geri’s iconic dress from the same awards ceremony 24 years ago, as worn by Geri in her time.

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2025-07-16 03:34

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