St. Paul native Clare Vivier is putting her own stamp on the North Star State.
The founder of Los Angeles accessories label Clare V. is one of 50 designers tapped by Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to reimagine each state's identity through an original flag for United Flags of Fashion, a nationwide project celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Originally, however, Minnesota wasn't the assignment. "I was very excited when I got an email from Thom Browne, the current chairman of the CFDA, inviting me to participate," says Vivier. "Initially they asked if I would design the state of Indiana." While Vivier was born in Indiana, she moved to St. Paul when she was two years old and considers Minnesota home. She immediately asked if she could switch states. They obliged.
Her design, titled "L'Étoile du Nord," serves as a layered tribute to Minnesota's natural beauty, history, and cultural identity. A rich purple backdrop evokes both the aurora borealis and Prince, while the Ojibwe word "Waawaatay" (meaning "Northern Lights") is woven into the design in shadow text as a nod to the state's Indigenous heritage. Nineteen stars represent Minnesota's place as the 19th state admitted to the Union after the original 13 colonies, while the French phrase L'Étoile du Nord references our state's longstanding motto.
For Vivier, the concept began with a recent visit home. "I had recently seen the pre-Broadway performance of Purple Rain in Minneapolis and was so moved by the good feelings it elicited in the audience," she says. "At a time when our country feels divided, this felt like we were all in sync in loving something."
The exercise also brought back memories of childhood trips to northern Minnesota. "We would see the aurora borealis in the night sky. I found a way to incorporate the color purple, Prince's signature color, while also paying tribute to Minnesota's inherent beauty in nature," says Vivier.
Research into historic Minnesota flags also shaped the final design. "When we saw L'Étoile du Nord was the state motto, given our brand's connection to the French language, we knew we had to include it," says Vivier, whose brand is known for its French-inspired aesthetic.
While every element carries meaning, Vivier hopes one detail resonates immediately. "I think people easily associate the color purple with Prince, and when you see our flag blowing high on a flagpole, it may be all you see," she says. "So if they take nothing else away from it, I feel like they will at least smile at the reference to our cultural treasure."
When asked what Minnesota represents to her, Vivier doesn't hesitate. "Minnesota is my home state, and it represents the best of the nation—a state that values inclusion, progressive ideals, intellectualism, creativity, and its natural surroundings."
