Renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger made a triumphant return to New York Fashion Week with a spectacular runway presentation, marking his first in-person show in the city in over a year and only the second since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly four years ago. The event, held at Manhattan’s iconic Grand Central Oyster Bar, served as a celebration of Hilfiger’s roots and a platform for unveiling exciting new brand initiatives.
Reflecting on the decision to stage the show in New York, Hilfiger expressed a sentiment of nostalgia and pride, stating, “We thought it was time to come back and celebrate New York. It’s iconic, and it’s where I started.” This sentiment underscored the significance of the occasion, emphasizing a return to the brand’s origins and heritage.
The Fall-Winter 2024 collection marked a departure from previous presentation formats, with Hilfiger opting to reintroduce a more traditional scheduling approach. While maintaining an element of immediacy with “shoppable collections” for attendees, the brand signaled a shift towards aligning with industry standards, albeit with its signature lifestyle-driven approach intact.
A notable highlight of the evening was the presence of Sofia Richie Grainge, the brand’s newest muse and ambassador, who exemplified the understated elegance synonymous with the “quiet luxury” trend. Hilfiger hinted at forthcoming collaborations with Richie Grainge, emphasizing her role in shaping the brand’s identity and creative direction.
The runway showcased a refreshed Hilfiger aesthetic, blending elements of metropolitan prep with American classical influences. Slouchy trousers, oversize coats, and collegiate stripe motifs exuded a sense of youthful sophistication, signaling a refined evolution of the brand’s iconic style.
With a diverse lineup of attendees ranging from actors and musicians to social media influencers, the event captured the essence of Hilfiger’s inclusive ethos and broad appeal. As Hilfiger himself stated, “We are American classical, we’ve always been American classical,” reaffirming the brand’s timeless relevance in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.