When Tommy Hilfiger told me that Katy Perry inspired his new Spring Collection in an interview just minutes before his models took the runway, it made perfect sense.
Tommy was a pioneer in melding rock ‘n’ roll musical inspiration with his collection of classic clothing — with a cleverly cool twist. “We put Katy together for the Met Ball, May 3 in NYC, and even though she had to be at the VMAs tonight, she was a big influence,” Tommy told me.
Now see for yourself. Doesn’t Tommy’s opening outfit – a pleated navy “tennis” skit with an eyelet bra top and short, fitted jacket — look highly Katy Perry-esque? As does the eye-popping red mini trench coat that California gurl Katy could make good use of when she visits fiancé Russell Brand in London.
So after 25 years of success, following his dream, what advice does Tommy have for young women pursuing theirs? “You have to have a great idea — maybe it’s a hobby you have, and figure out how to turn it into a business,” he says. He himself got started in his hometown of Elmira, NY with his interest in hippie and rock ‘n’ roll clothes. He opened a shop selling those looks and, after not too long, began designing his own clothes.
So what did the hands-on dad of five do before heading to his show where Jennifer Lopez, Christina Hendricks, Jessica Szohr, Ed Westwick, Bradley Cooper, Kimora Lee, Russell Simmons, Neil Patrick Harris and Rumer Willis all crowded into the front row?
“I had a bath with my baby son Sebastian [13-months-old] to relax,” he confided. How sweet! Now isn’t that the best 25th anniversary present ever!
Click to see pics and video of Tommy’s show and my interview with Tommy!
–Bonnie Fuller
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