NY Fashion Week: Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg

Tommy Hilfiger transforms the ramp into a football field; Donna Karan throws up a party vibe; Furstenberg seduces fashionistas - the highlights from the NY Fashion Week

Hilfiger’s colourful kickoff

Luckily, it was an indoor football game.

On a frigid day in Manhattan, guests at Tommy Hilfiger’s splashy runway show arrived on Monday to find the cavernous Park Avenue Armory transformed into a football field. Sure, the turf was artificial, but that was a small price to pay for not being outside. Yardage was marked out, with each end zone bearing a huge “HILFIGER.” Naturally, the prime seats were at the 50-yard line.

After a huge monitor hanging over the runway — er, field — counted down the final 30 seconds to kickoff, models began streaming out of an entry marked “Locker Room.” Their attire was a whimsical riff on football wear, down to the lace-up platform ankle boots that resembled football cleats.

In a collection aimed at channelling what the label called “an American Love Story inspired by Ali MacGraw,” the colours of burgundy and navy gave the collection a vintage college football feel. There were capes, duffel coats, and colourful sweatshirts bearing the number 30 — to mark 30 years of the Hilfiger brand.

There were fluffy, furry football jackets. There were varsity-type sweaters and bags with football appliques. Huge furry hats, appropriate for the day’s weather, accompanied many of the outfits. And there were skirts and dresses galore, pleated like cheerleader skirts — in casual fabrics or, for dressier occasions, in chiffon or velvet.

Hilfiger, ever the showman, came out at the end carrying his own football helmet, jogging along the field and waving to the crowd, which included singer Rita Ora.

Donna Karan shows New York at night

Karan’s New York City never ceases to inspire. For fall, she interpreted the towering architecture into sculpted origami designs and offered sparkly gold lame worthy of a really great party.

In metallic brocades and gun metal silk, Karan’s signature line did the glamour of the city’s skyline justice with geometric planes of fabric that flowed loosely on dresses and coats. Touches of organza danced down the runway against her backdrop of the city at night.

Gold glam not your thing? The collection was punctuated by tuxedo detailing on several tops and trousers. How does she keep the New York City story fresh season after season?

“New York for me means the world,” she said. “It’s about where women are at today.”

Herrera makes waves

At show’s end, Von Furstenberg took not a victory bow but a victory lap, sauntering up and down the U-shaped runway and blowing kisses to guests, who included Kesha, Paris Hilton, and of course Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

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