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13 Revolutionary Outfits From America’s Boldest Stars
Image Credit: Courtesy of Vevo The American flag has become a staple for the music world. While many musicians opt to show their patriotism by hoisting the Old Glory's stars and stripes on stage, some have gone a step further and worn the pattern — in rather meaningful, and sometimes, controversial ways. In honor of the Fourth of July, Billboard Style selected 13 of the boldest fashion recreations of the American flag — a nod to the founding 13 colonies of 1776.
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Katy Perry (2010)
Image Credit: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock It's only fitting to start this list with a dress that incorporates both the American Old Glory and the UK's Union Jack; after all, a little love to both countries involved in the American Revolution never hurts.
In the middle of promoting her Teenage Dream confection "California Gurls," Katy Perry was spotted in London wearing a rubber dress in support of the 2010 World Cup. The singer wanted to remain neutral in a showdown between America and England. At the time, the former wife of Englishmen Russell Brand tweeted that the dress' shipment was delayed because a passenger passed away on the same flight it was traveling on. However, Perry received the dress on time to celebrate a 1-1 draw as the final score: "EVERYBODY WINS!!! I LIKE THAT! (Plus as an american marrying a englishman… I am DIVIDED)," she said.
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Miley Cyrus
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage It truly was a “Party In The USA” for the North American leg of Miley Cyrus‘ Bangerz tour. The 78-stop spectatcle — featuring campy and equally stunning ensembles from the likes of Marc Jacobs and Robert Cavalli — kicked off at Rogers Arena on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver.
The (formerly) controversial talent decided to showcase her patriotism north of the border with a sequined unitard of the American flag designed by her stylist Simone Harouche. However, that look was upstaged by a green cannibas leaf-o-tard designed by The Blonds: a fashion statement advocating for a nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana use.
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Lady Gaga & Beyoncé (2010)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo The beginning of the ’10s started on a high pop culture note when Lady Gaga sparked Beyoncé to embrace inner Honey Bee for the music video of “Telephone.” The visual set another iconic standard for both pop pioneers due to its high energy dancing and memorable fashion moments. None became more inspirational (or copied for Halloween) than the flag-bearing two piece bikini and hardscarf worn by Gaga in the diner scenes. The ensemble — featuring a pair of silver boots from Christian Louboutin — was designed by Haus of Gaga, the singer’s creative team responsible for her bubble dress from The Fame Ball Tour and pyro-bra featured in “Bad Romance”. Next to Mother Monster: Beyoncé wearing an Old Glory-infleunced mini dress designed by Oscar Olima.
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Jon Bon Jovi (2012)
Image Credit: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Clear Channel While performing at the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Jon Bon Jovi — of rock group Bon Jovi — wore a Captain America-inspired number. The lead singer rocked a leather jacket that gave the superhero’s costume a run for its money. The selection featured one star above red and white stripes — almost looking finished of by a rustic gloss of sorts. There are currently third party retailers that sell imitations of the original design, ranging from $120-$170.
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Meek Mill
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage A year before Meek Mill would attempt to be the American savior to go against Canada’s Drake, he displayed his patriotism on the Hot 97 Summer Jam stage. The Philly rapper stayed true to his city’s founding roots by stunting in a Schott NYC 100th Anniversary 1776 Perfecto Jacket. The leather motorcycle jacket featuring sewn together hand painted stars and stripes is reported to have cost $2,000.
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Jay-Z (2014)
Image Credit: Mason Poole/Invision for Parkwood Entertainment/AP Images That same year, Jay-Z linked with his wife — and fellow Obama surrogate — Beyoncé for their joint On the Run tour. As a rapper who prides himself on redefining the American Dream, Jay-Z made a statement with a tuxedo designed by Givenchy‘s former creative director Riccardo Tisci. Instead of wearing a buttondown and tie to accompany the ensemble, the Brooklyn veteran tapped into his gangsta-persona previewing a black and white American flag print T-shirt from the line’s spring-summer 2015 collection.
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Beyoncé (2014)
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/PW/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment Beyoncé also scored her own patriotic fashion moments during the On the Run Tour. Alongside her husband, the songstress wore ensembles from Givenchy‘s haute couture line. In the concert’s finale, Beyoncé belted the chorus of “Young Forever” wearing a dress comprised of a black vinyl and velvet bodysuit with a 16.4 foot long train of a black and white American flag shirt attached. The dress from the couple’s favorite designer, Tisci, “took over 500 hours to make” and was inspired by the concept of “the American Danger: Bonnie & Clyde with a modern twist.”
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Ke$ha (2011)
Image Credit: Matt Kent/WireImage Oozing her signature "trashy-pop" aesthetic, Ke$ha wore a distresed tank of the American flag while performing at the Wireless Festival in London. In her energetic set, the singer writhed around in ripped stockings and a bodysuit underneath the shirt.
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Carrie Underwood (2013)
Image Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images Patriot lists are never complete without including a singer crowned an "American Idol" live on national television. Carrie Underwood performed a heartfelt set at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville wearing a $90 pair of limited edition blue and gray denim Liberty shorts from Gypsy Junkies.
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Nicki Minaj (2015)
Image Credit: Chuck Zlotnick / © New Line Cinema / courtesy Everett Collection Meanwhile, the self-proclaimed Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj, had her own flag repping fashion statement. The “No Frauds” crooner shared an Instagram pic from her promo photo shoot for her appearance in the 2016 third installment of Ice Cube’s Barbershop film franchise. Minaj wore American flag leggings complete with red pumps and a red bandau bra.
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5 of Rihanna’s Most Dazzling Coachella Outfits
Image Credit: Mark Davis/Getty Images for Coachella Fashion icon Rihanna continues to mix the American flag in her wardrobe — seems only natural that she'd release the national anthem alternative "American Oxygen." She surprised fans with a rendition of "We Found Love" during Calvin Harris' Coachella set in 2016. Going along with the mood of the Calfornia desert, the singer kept the party going with a Marc Jacobs fringed American flag jacket.
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Vanilla Ice (1990)
Image Credit: Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty Images Last but not least, Billboard Style is throwing it back old school. Here's a paparazzi snap of Vanilla Ice chilling in New York City, a leather American flag biker completing his ensemble.