Full disclosure. I’m not a fashion writer. Nor do I play one on TV. However, I am a sailor, (and a psudo-preppie) who’s old enough to remember when Tommy Hilfiger launched his first sailing-inspired line in the 1990’s.
I’m also a long-time yachting journalist who’s watched the SailGP grow from a fledgling sail racing league in 2019 into the sexy and competitive sports league that it is today.
So, when I heard that Tommy Hilfiger was going to be partnering with the US SailGP team for this current season, I was inspired to learn everything I could about the brand’s sailing roots. And then I spoke to Tommy in person and realized he’s still as involved and as passionate about sailing and the yachting lifestyle now as he was when he launched his first sailing line.
“I’ve always been inspired by bringing the worlds of fashion and sport together,” Tommy says. “And today’s fashion is leaning into an elevated luxury lifestyle.
“Authenticity is very important as well. The sailing collection builds on our heritage which was inspired by my archive. But we’re also looking ahead.”
“So what motivated you to get back into professional sailing partnerships now?” I ask, remembering back to when Tommy sponsored Brad Van Liew’s Freedom America entry in the 2002-2003 Around Alone race.
“I loved the whole idea from the beginning,” he says. “The US SailGP Team knew about our heritage infusing fashion and sailing, and fashion and yachting together, so it really is a natural fit.”
And I gotta admit, the psudo preppie in me is digging the Hilfiger Sailing Collection that just dropped too. According to advance reports, “The new Hilfiger Sailing Collection is a 22-piece capsule that designers delved deep into the archives to reimagine classic styles and create a collection that bridges vintage nostalgia with modern performance.
“Technical regatta jackets layer over fleece hoodies and striped tees. While a woman’s nylon deck coat is redefined with fresh, feminine proportions and reversible functionality. Iconic motifs — ropes, pulleys and signal flags — are woven into the collection, merging collegiate-prep aesthetics and sea-faring influence to reinforce Tommy Hilfiger’s signature fusion of sport and style. A refined color palette of sophisticated reds and greens adds a contemporary touch, elevating coastal-inspired staples with a fresh, effortless spirit.”
And I really can’t wait to see a whole the new line that’s scheduled to drop in August.
Stay tuned.