From The Straits Times    |

The show opened with Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ song “Californication” that set the tone for the playlist for the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2014 show.

A set of California-themed songs followed, including “California Girls” by the Beach Boys but if we were to describe the collection with a song, it would be the Beach Boys’ “Little Surfer Girl”. After all, Pier 94 – the show’s venue – was made up like an artificial beach complete with sand dunes, lifeguard chairs, surfboards and a makeshift boardwalk that doubled as the runway.   

The wetsuit was an obvious inspiration for Tommy Hilfiger this season as the first look that appeared as a neoprene dress complete with a centre zip and colour blocking in the traditional wetsuit pattern. Hilfiger didn’t forget to add in a collar to prep up the wetsuit-inspired shirtdress and remind those present whose show they were at.

More neoprene and surf-themed looks came down the runway that could be easily dubbed “surf chick off duty” – think a young Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush. There was a mix of material of neoprene with leather and knits done up in vibrant blues, corals and reds.

Hilfiger seems to have done a quick study of the surf crowd as he served up a series of skirts, shorts and trousers undone and folded down – the same way that surfers wear theirs after an afternoon of catching waves.

The second half of the show saw looks more aligned with Hilfiger’s signature prep. Hawaiian prints were jumbled with military detail and basketball jerseys were worn as dresses – these cool beachwear looks were toughed up with wedge sneakers and flatforms all also colour blocked.


Tommy Hilfiger with all the models at the Spring 2014 show

The collection was a sunny, sporty affair that will translate easily into street style and be a hit with all the cool kids.