A Ferris Wheel, a tattoo parlour and Taylor Swift
Designers are renowned for their show theatrics, but Tommy Hilfiger’s autumn/winter 2016 real life funfair is destined to go down in fashion history. Elaborate sets are a Hilfiger hallmark, and past seasons have included Caribbean islands, football fields, Alpine mountains, and a giant cruise liner, but this was certainly one of his most impressive.
With 2016 becoming the year that many big name brands decided to throw the rulebook out the window and start showing clothes that can be purchased as soon as they stroll off the runway, instead of according to traditional seasons, Hilfiger hooked up with girl-of-the-moment, Gigi Hadid, on a ‘see and shop’ collection as some critics are calling it. Clearly a favourite face for the all-American mega-brand, Gigi was also the star of Hilfiger's SS16 castaway-themed show.
The designer celebrated the Tommy x Gigi capsule collection and his ‘new era’ (as the show notes proclaimed) by staging this ginormous carnival at New York Fashion Week on Friday night. ‘This is the show I’ve always wanted to present; a true democratisation of fashion,’ says Hilfiger. ‘It’s nautical meets street; inspired by Gigi Hadid and designed to be worn as you like it.’
This is what went down at the show on Pier 16 in Lower Manhattan last night…
Tommy 4Eva Anyone wishing to show their dedication to the brand could do so with a tattoo – a temporary one that is. As well as a stick-on tattoo parlour, the brilliant set included a 40-foot Ferris Wheel, other classic fairground rides and arcade games, and food — the a-list munched on lobster rolls, hot dogs, mozzarella sticks and candy floss post-show.
Gigi kicked off the proceedings Naturally, Gigi was the first model out, wearing a shrunken sailor jacket, a tank top knotted just-so, a fringed neck scarf, and leather pants, all from her collection with the brand. She also closed the show in an oversized velvet hoodie with a huge Hilfiger logo, a silky white basketball skirt, and white vans which were all from the Tommy Hilfiger mainline. Hailey Baldwin, Taylor Hill, Sara Sampaio, Hanne Gaby Odiele, and Lineisy Montero also took to the catwalk in the nautically-themed apparel.
Taylor Swift loved it Gigi’s BFF Taylor Swift was sat front row (wearing the most incredible Stuart Weitzman thigh high boots) to cheer on her pal, and judging by her reactions, she loved the collection. ‘SO PROUD OF YOU GIGI!!!!,’ Swift gushed on Instagram after the show. ‘That show was INSANE. Congrats to Gi, Tommy, and all the girls who just owned that runway!! [sic]’
Other celebrity guests to descend on the pier included Gigi’s mum Yolanda and brother Anwar, Doutzen Kroes, Olivia Palermo, Martha Hunt and Kris Jenner. Her sister Bella was in Paris (judging by her Instagram) so she sent a social media shout out to her big sister instead, tweeting: ‘Can't wait to watch ur show online @GiGiHadid I'm so sad I'm not going to be there but i know you're going to kill it!!!I love you [sic]’
Her boyfriend Zayn was also absent from the show but sent a similar encouraging tweet, saying:. .@GiGiHadid Good luck tonight baby. You’re about to show the world your amazing GxTH collection. I am so proud. You are an inspiration. X [sic]’
Add to basket ‘These are our greatest hits, remixed and restyled for the digital age and shoppable the moment the lights go up,’ Hilfiger said of the youthful and sporty collection. And indeed all of the Tommy Hilfiger hallmarks from his 30-year arsenal were accounted for: nautical details, logo-heavy sporty separates, rock-n-roll vibes and preppy-cool Americana were given ‘a modern day swagger.’
Gigi’s own style signatures were easy to pick out too; from the statement bomber jackets and slim-fit trousers, to the oversized hoodies and thigh-high stockings. If you’re rather taken with any of it, the Tommy x Gigi capsule line went on sale September 1, and the rest is available to buy now at Tommy.com and in stores.
Beauty notes
Legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath was behind the ‘no make-up’ look. Teamed with natural hair, the models faces looked bare, save for a strobe of highlighter across their cheekbones, soft pink lips, and an earthy hue of eye shadow with just a touch of eyeliner.
As far as fashion shows go, Tommy Hilfiger's funfair certainly seemed like one hell of a ride.
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