By Jaime Teich
“The idea was to really cultivate Tommy globally. Once I finished cultivating Tommy globally with more of a casual lifestyle attached to it, I decided then to build something dressier, more sophisticated, more refined,” said Tommy Hilfiger in an interview just before a fashion show at Macy’s Roosevelt Field this past Saturday where he introduced his latest line of clothes.
“Every button every detail every thread is done to perfection,” said Hilfiger. “It’s more grown up. It’s built to go from day to evening. A little bit sexier, a bit more feminine.” With smart sophistication and just the right amount of edge, “H” blends motorcycle chic with a weekend in the Hamptons.
Broadening a horizon larger than any previous “Tommy” collections, Hilfiger’s “H” allows for comfort as well as class. “It’s designed for people like me, who love our casual clothes, but also need dressy, timeless clothes to live and work in,” said Hilfiger. Abiding by his own words, Hilfiger combined the casual look of jeans and a button down teamed with a crisp blazer and bright white kicks.
Putting great emphasis on the fact that color is what it’s about for spring 2004, Hilfiger elaborated on the colors of the season, “Overdo it with accessories under do the outfit. It’s all about the balance of color as it relates to the outfit.” By animating a sleek white pinstriped black suit with a lining of fuscia and lime, “H” is showing that not only is loud fun, but the sharpest of suits can be fun as well.
Heading the campaign are two of Hilfiger’s inspirations for “H,” supermodel Iman and David Bowie. Combining Rock & Roll, glamour and sex, Hilfiger expresses his admiration for the two. “She’s beautiful. He’s putting music and fashion together. They’re growing up and they’re still cool. We’re growing up and we’re still cool.”
Cooler then ever before, “H” is re-targeting the clientele who as teens wore lines such as Tommy Girl and Hilfiger, but who have grown to maintain a more professional look in the business world. Now all grown up and cool themselves, “H” is inviting the people who grew up with Tommy Hilfiger as an everyday choice of clothing back into their closets.
“They’re loving it. I think its what they’ve been waiting for,” said the glowing Hilfiger. Incorporating style and flash into their adult lives, “H” easily goes from an afternoon at the office, to a night out on the town.
“It’s about change and evolution,” said Caren Bell, Hilfiger’s publicist. “Tommy started off preppy with a twist. We have had many chapters. ‘H’ is a new chapter for Tommy, a halo for everything else to come. This is completing a whole lifestyle, giving customers a lifestyle.”
Not only is Hilfiger introducing a complete collection of clothing, but “H” is fully equipped with a long line of accessories, including shoes, handbags, jewelry and watches, as well as a new fragrance which will hit stores in the fall.
