Union Jack trend in Italy.

Union Jack trend in Italy. Framed by Antonia Scott.

So California and I were out today shopping during the final moments of the summer sales in Milan and started talking about national emblems and symbols in fashion.

So here's the thing, in Italy the Union Jack flag and pretty much anything Londonish eg: Big Ben, Westminster, Notting Hill is super cool. For instance I've seen the Union Jack flag on jumpers, jeans, t-shirts, scarves, undies, belts, handbags and mobile phone covers. I've even seen it on the side of scooters and helmets.

While London may be seen as a "cool" city to Italians it doesn't quite explain why there seems to be a strong need to plaster oneself in the Union Jack to be on trend.

But for arguments sake (whoever argument is) let's just say right now for Italians the Union Jack is cool just as the Brazilian flag and colours were "cool" for the Brits in around 2003. What happens if you are a Brit in Italy today or were a Brazilian in London in 2003. Would you still think it was cool and on trend?

According to me and California the answer is "no". I'm technically from the UK (I'm part Scottish) and I don't think it's cool to wear the Union Jack. Likewise, California doesn't think it's cool wearing a jersey with the USA flag emblazed across the chest.

However, we were in accordance with the notion that there were times and places where we would wear such national paraphernalia - namely the Olympics, world cup and/or the Eurovision song contest.

But we would never grace the streets of the world's fashion capital wearing our own or someone else's flag. It's just not cool.

Not only is it not cool in some instances it is boarder line offensive. The other day I saw an Italian woman wearing a large scarf draped over her shoulders with the design and colours of the Union Jack. Now, I'm not sure about the etiquette or customs around the Union Jack but I do know that the Australian flag should only be handled in a particular manner. Around ten years ago there was an outspoken Australian politician Pauline Hanson who draped the Australian flag over her shoulders as part of her publicity campaign. In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Administrative Services said that the Australian flag is supposed to be treated with dignity and respect, not worn like a bath robe.

So while it is still unclear why it is cool it is clear that it is not cool to those who identify most with the said national emblems.

Therefore, for any trend hunters, take note: national emblem fads are unlikely to transcend national boundaries. Despite Italians being known as global trend setters their infactuation with wearing the Union Jack seems unlikely to catch on. No doubt, the English are as unlikely to wear a Union Jack as a fashion statement as they are to wear the Italian flag or, dare I say it, the French one.

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