For the sparkling vexillum, all you need is for your Citadel to be Tier 7, that's it. The skillplots, statues, cosmetic updates, Avatar habitat, etc. have no effect on it.
Turning the sparkle effect on is a manual change. You need to speak to the Quartermaster in your Citadel to activate it.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
~ Sicariu
Leader of