Designers Create Dress of Flags From Countries Where Homosexuality Is Banned for One Powerful Purpose

Powerful actions have always been integral to creating change. Fashion designer Mattijs van Bergen and artist Oeri van Woezik are two trailblazers who continue this ideal, this time with a creation sure to turn heads and continue the discussion about same-sex marriage and LGBT equality.

The United States legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states, but progress for the sake of progress is useless without keeping the goal in mind. Bergen and Woezik have decided to make another statement in the fight toward full acceptance and equality.

The duo – along with COC Nederland, an organization for LGBT men and women, and photographers and videographers – collaborated on a groundbreaking project: a dress made up of world flags, the very same flags of countries who have yet to lift their bans on homosexuality. The shocking dress features an astounding 72 countries who have not yet accepted LGBT people. It was modeled by Valentijn de Hingh – Europe’s first Trans Ambassador – at the Het Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

And, in an effort to further instill the message and need of equality, De Hingh proclaimed on her Instagram: “Every country that changes its legislation will have its flag replaced by a rainbow flag. Let’s hope this dress will represent a patchwork of rainbows sooner rather than later!”

Eventually, if the message is heeded, the dress will be transformed into a stunning display of colors united and flowing together. Until then, it will stand as a reminder that the goal is still in mind, and that there is still work to be done.