Flamingo-mania: The Pink Flamingo as Summer 2017's Ultimate Pop Icon

The pink flamingo became the essential accessory of summer 2017, dominating social media and spawning a wave of merchandise from swimwear to home decor. The trend originated from a shocking pink inflatable flamingo pool float, which became a must-photograph item on beaches and in pools. The phenomenon, dubbed 'flamingo-mania,' spread rapidly across Instagram and Facebook, leading to market saturation with flamingo-themed clothing, accessories, and even sculptures. The cover of Artribune's summer issue features the work 'Phoenicopterus roseus domesticus' (2017) by the duo PetriPaselli, who explore pop imagery with a focus on kitsch. Contemporary art and design have also embraced the trend, as evidenced by a gallery of the most extravagant flamingo-themed objects. The article, written by Mariacristina Ferraioli, examines this cultural craze.