Inclusivity and cultural diversity, two key components that have always been a part of the Opening Ceremony mission since its founding, take a new form in the Global Varsity Collection. The inspiration stems from our desire to celebrate, honor, and recognize the deep importance of past and present immigrants of America. “We pay homage to the world and the patriotic symbols that unite each nation. As we enter our 15-year anniversary, we chose forty-seven countries to feature in The Global Varsity Collection. These selections represent each nation Opening Ceremony has personally honored through our annual country-themed years, and those whose heritage tie back to our company’s founding members.”

“The collection was first revealed at Opening Ceremony’s Fall II Winter I show in September 2016, where flag-bearers outfitted in our custom made varsity jackets proudly lined the entrance to “Pageant of the People.” Each individual holding a relation to the country whose jacket they wore and flag they held, stood unified together, celebrating the rich cultural diversity that is America. “It’s a celebration of all diversity. Come as you are and speak what’s important to you. That is what we wanted to celebrate,” says OC co-founder Carol Lim.

“IT’S A CELEBRATION OF ALL DIVERSITY. COME AS YOU ARE AND SPEAK WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU. THAT IS WHAT WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE.”

Featuring national symbols on flag colors, each outerwear piece underwent a meticulous transformation with specially handcrafted additions such as studs, sequins, paillettes, and intricate embroidered patterns.

From sailor hoods to custom patches, one-of-a-kind tweaks to the classic silhouette were made, as well as, new fabrics introduced. The goal was for each jacket to have its own unique voice, a voice that proudly spoke to the magical melting pot that is America today. Also featured in the collection are a selection of ready-to-wear items that include T-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, and caps with special flag and symbol prints.

WORDS BY ANNA OTSU
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BABYHOUSE, DON STAHL, ISABEL ASHA PENZLIEN, GREG KESSLER, MAGGIE SHANNON + PATRICK SPEARS