Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012: Warholian Prep and ‘Floral-flage’

I’m not a whiz when it comes to the rules of physics, but if that whole “like attracts like” theory truly applies, then it should come as no surprise that the king of prep’s evening show was highly attended by, well, other mega-moguls. Russell Simmons was there, as were Anna Wintour and Anna Dello Russo (who I suppose could claim the Queen of Quirky Fascinators title by now, if nothing else). Actress Abbie Cornish and model Petra Nemcova showed as well, which made plenty of sense considering the twosome’s penchant for clean, chic clothes. More puzzling was the presence of singer Corinne Bailey Rae, who is inching dangerously close to earning what the Fug Girls have termed “The New Sophia Bush Award” (for ubiquitous presence at any and every show at NYFW).

On to the fashion. Titled “Pop Prep,” Tommy’s spring collection aimed to merge traditionally buttoned-up silhouettes with colorful pop-art hues and patterns. The show kicked off with a smattering of looks in colorful glen plaid, from maillot-style swimsuits to a zip-front hoodie. Far more to my liking were the leather separates and dresses that followed, however–particularly a long-sleeved lambskin shirtdress in sunny yellow and a similar button-up oxford done in cranberry leather. There was something wonderfully fun about seeing these simple, borrowed-from-the-boys classics elevated with such a luxe material.

This being a Tommy show, there was obviously a group of striped pieces; here, the classic pattern was splashed not only on silk field jacket and zippered jeans, but also reworked as multi-tonal, colorblocked panels on voluminous caftans. More unexpected, however, were the camouflage pieces–though these were anything but olive drab. Done in lush feminine shades of plum and cornflower blue, the army-inspired pattern almost looked like layered blossoms–”floral-flage,” if you will. The Warholian inspiration was certainly made loud and clear here, if not quite as much in those aforementioned plaids. Fans of Tommy’s statement-making footwear, meanwhile, will be excited to learn that the designer’s brought back those covetable stacked-heel penny loafers once more–and this time, they’ve got striped insteps.

**All photos via Imaxtree

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