Rockin’ the Boat
Review of Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2025 Fashion Show
By Mark Wittmer
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Relaxed. Adventurous. All-American.
The biggest impact of Tommy Hilfiger’s second runway following after a two-year hiatus wasn’t the clothes (though it was a very solid outing) – it was the full confirmation that Tommy Hilfiger is back and more ambitious than over to build into a defining pop-cultural force. Simply put, the show felt like a party.
The venue aboard a decommissioned Staten Island ferry docked at Manhattan’s Pier 17 and decked out in maritime Tommy signage – even down to lifejackets – meant it was nigh impossible to navigate the throng of fans there to greet their favorite K-pop stars and TikTokers, but once up the gangway, it proved to be an excellent for the focused, relaxed, and sophisticated updates on the designer’s signature take on prep. Coupled with the great mashup soundtrack that emphasized the brand’s late-90s hip-hop connections, the sheer sense of spectacle and excitement made it almost impossible to think that this polished and easy update on the brand’s classic oeuvre wasn’t cool. That was especially the case when the final walk was heralded by a surprise Wu-Tang Clan performance, which folded seamlessly into a party where, between Tommy-themed trays of sorbet, prosecco, and mini hotdogs, the high-caliber of the guest continued to reveal itself.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
Some say that New York Fashion Week is struggling, that American fashion is having an identity crisis. But this week has shown us some beautiful and forward-thinking visions of what American design can mean, and the kind of global creative community that New York can foster. But Tommy Hilfiger’s extravaganza offered another alternative, as if to to say, “nope, sorry, love it or hate it, this is American fashion, baby: TikTokers and K-pop stars, rappers dressed like prepsters, prosecco and mini hotdogs.” And with a strong collection set to a very cool soundtrack walking in front of the eyes of some of the country’s – and -world – biggest pop-cultural movers and shakers, it was hard not to be convinced. All aboard.
