Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid Take Over Venice Beach
Tommy and Gigi win big with their second collaboration.
Tommy and Gigi win big with their second collaboration.
Text: Jake Viswanath
Times have changed since Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid unveiled their first collaboration at South Street Seaport in New York last season. The country's political climate has taken a turn for the disastrous, for one, and the fashion industry as a whole is still spinning on its head trying to adapt to a more fast pace schedule. But if there’s one thing that we can rely on, it’s Tommy Hilfiger as an American fashion mainstay—one that is not only able to keep up with the the changing times, but set the pace (with more than a little help from Hadid).
Although Tommy x Gigi moved to La La Land for its Spring 2017, see-now-buy-now show, guests saw a familiar setting upon entering Venice Beach last night: Tommyland. The dreamlike carnival from last season’s show made its return, adorned with the flamethrowers and long-haired muscle drummers that you’ll only find on the West Coast locale.
Guests including Kris Jenner, Kaia Gerber, and the front row’s shining star, Lady Gaga, made this into the extravagant event that the Tommy x Gigi shows are becoming known for. And who else better to kick it off than the designer herself? Gigi walked the runway in a pattern-blocking crop top and leather pants, setting the stage for a bevy of today’s top models, including sister Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, and V105 cover star Joan Smalls.
The second collaboration takes on a much brighter and laid-back tone this season, placing an emphasis on relaxed fits, cropped cuts, and bolder colors. Patchwork, gypsy-style dresses are paired with color-blocked bikers, while bikinis and bodysuits are complimented by fringe jackets and letterman coats.
Tommy Hilfiger’s classic all-American motifs are apparent throughout, with western belts, denim molded into several shapes and silhouettes, and the red, white, and navy stripes permeating the collection. But it's Gigi’s modern touch that prevents the collection from feeling too much like a throwback—emoji patches cover jeans rather than the brand’s peace signs, and pieces influenced by the American flag take on a shiny gleam.
If the Tommy x Gigi collaboration proves anything thus far, it’s that Venice Beach will freeze over before Tommy Hilfiger compromises its identity. But the brand’s willingness to meld their DNA with any modern touch, let alone someone with such a strong vision and distinct look like Gigi, proves how such a timeless brand can refrain from being repetitive or uninspired. Gigi gave them a much-needed jolt, and it's paying off in spades.
See every look from the show below, and shop the collection here.
