It came to represent anarchy, rebellion and  nationalism, to some, a negative symbol of aggressive youth culture.

  As punks, mod’s and rockers made way for the new romantics and electro-poppers of the 80’s ,the flag was lost from mainstream fashion until 1997.It reappeared at the Brit awards, stretched across Geri Halliwell barely covering her smalls. Once again the Union Jack became an iconic fashion piece. The association with cool Britannia rebellion and football hooligans was lost to tight shift dresses and pvc platforms.

   British designers -“70’s punk innovator” Vivienne Westwood and “hooligan of British fashion” Alexander McQueen have long incorporated the flag into their rebellious creations and 2008 saw French design royalty Chanel release the union jack quilted bag, never leaving the arm of British fashion queen Agyness Deyn.

   2009 has seen the rise of the mighty flag, once more dominating fashion and now the home thanks to the likes of Emma Bridgewater and her kitch crockery, Jane Hornsby’s pretty pillows and Joseph Joseph’s funky kitchenware. For the first time the flag has been remodelled using pretty floral’s, sexy animal prints in various colours and fabrics. It has returned with a strong feeling of heritage and nostalgia. Bunting once only appropriate at a WWII street party adorns the British farmhouse kitchen- and it looks great! Long gone are the negative connotations that once shrouded the flag, now cradled in the arms of newly made national treasure Cheryl Cole , it once more represents British pride of the right sort. This latest trend is versatile and steeped in sentiment, the Union Jack has finally been reclaimed and the consumer loves it!

  Whether it be an emblazoned Barbour slung over the back seat of Prince Harry‘s Land Rover, a sexy embroidered leather hanging off the back of Kate Moss or adorning your Mum’s sofa- The Union Jack is back, and perhaps 2010 will see it here to stay.