First Tommy Hilfiger, who’s “Prep World” pop-up shop has been on tour across the US, has been winning me over with their latest campaign and commercials, but not-so-much with their ‘supposedly’ brand new Tommy Girl line. However, their looks have amazing character and clearly the brand has come a long way since their red, white, and blue logo gear. Be sure to check out their recent S/S 2011 ad campaign on MyFDB.

On the other hand, Ralph Lauren‘s Polo collection has always been succinct in defining a classic, well-dressed casual look. Along with tennis, polo, and rugy, there’s also western influence through their brand extensions, but they have so many it’s actually hard to keep track of them (a negative). Just to name a few, there’s the Ralph Lauren Collection, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rugby RL…anyone else annoyed yet? The designer did give a stellar interview to Oprah about his career, but the topic mostly stayed on his western ranch.

Personally, I’d rather have the character and style of Hilfiger and find Lauren’s looks a bit stiff, but that’s part of the classiness he’s known for which I respect.

So I ask…

Every since I saw Tommy Hilfiger‘s latest commercial as part of their rebranding, the company has sparked my interest. But their newest endeavor has me doing a double-take, Hilfiger is planning to launch a new brand extension which will be available at Macy’s: Tommy Girl. This isn’t a re-launch, this a launch of a “new” line from the designer. Too bad Tommy Girl isn’t new… Remember the Tommy Girl fragrance or the branded clothes that were really big in the late 90′s?? Uhh…we’re not going to forget that those didn’t happen and they shouldn’t take the name and pretend like it’s brand new.

I have a feeling their playing it down because the new collection will be targeted at 12-18 year olds, most of whom probably don’t recall the greatness of Tommy Girl. These teens also have money to burn as price points will vary from $32 to $129.

Designer Tommy Hilfiger said of the line, “I am [pleased] about the new Tommy Girl collection. Tommy Girl is our response to consumers wanting quality clothing at affordable prices. The collection has a fun, preppy sensibility that we believe is exactly what our younger customers have been looking for.”

I’m pretty sure that’s probably how Hilfiger felt when the original Tommy Girl brand extension was launched…oh well, looks like a whole new generation of pseudo-preppy teens will be buying Tommy gear when it becomes available this July.

[source]

I haven’t really thought about Tommy Hilfiger‘s clothing since I was in eighth grade and everyone was wearing the brand’s logo shirts. I was literally on Hilfiger overload at that point in my life and haven’t had any interest in the brand since. That is until now; after catching their commercial on TV last night, I was surprised at how spirited and attention getting their ad was. It falls along the same lines as their print ad campaign, but seeing it come to life instantly put me in the summer spirit.

The commercial introduces “The Hilfigers”, a perfect make-believe model family that likes to hang around the pool and tennis court. The whole ad encompasses a very Hamptons vibe and I looveee the overall aesthetic. You can’t miss model favorites Noah Mills, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Max Rogers, Sam Way, Iselin Steiro along with a pair of lovable basset hounds in the video. Today I found myself taking a second look at the brand’s preppy youthful look and there area few pieces from their S/S collection I’d really like to get my paws on.

Take a look at the video below, but consider yourself forewarned because you’ll be left wishing you were at a pool party the second it’s over. Also, be sure to check out Tommy Hilfiger’s S/S campaign on MyFDB.

The creativity of what happens inside the garment district of New York is hitting the streets — literally. Enter Sidewalk Catwalk, thirty-three mannequins styled by designers have been placed on Broadway to liven up the walk between Herald Square and Times Square. The goal of this innovative endeavor is to demonstrate that the garment district is a hub of creativity for the fashion industry.

By the looks of these mannequins, we’d say that there’s no shortage of creativity, you can check out Catwalk Sidewalk for yourself from 35th to 42nd Streets through Sept. 3.

[via WWD]