Tommy Hilfiger Goes Full Nautical for Fashion Week, Staging a Bold Runway Show Aboard Former Staten Island Ferry
Tommy Hilfiger made waves at this year’s New York Fashion Week with a daring and unique presentation: a nautical-themed runway show aboard a former Staten Island Ferry boat. The iconic designer, long celebrated for his preppy, Americana-infused style, embraced a full maritime aesthetic for his latest collection, merging fashion with the city’s rich nautical history in a setting as unforgettable as his designs.
Docked along Manhattan’s waterfront, the ferry—now repurposed into a floating venue—set the stage for Hilfiger’s bold, modern take on seafaring style. With its sprawling decks and panoramic views of the city skyline, the boat provided an ideal backdrop for the show’s coastal inspiration. From the moment guests boarded, they were immersed in the theme, greeted by ropes, anchors, and nautical flags as part of the ferry’s revamped decor.
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Hilfiger’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection embodied his signature mix of classic American style and modern flair, with a clear nod to seafaring life. Models strutted the makeshift catwalk in sailor-striped dresses, weathered denim, windbreaker jackets, and tailored navy blazers with brass buttons, all while channeling the spirit of adventure and elegance that defines Hilfiger’s vision. Bold splashes of red, white, and blue dominated the palette, complemented by crisp whites and deep oceanic hues.
“We wanted to do something that celebrates the essence of New York—its spirit of adventure, and its connection to the sea,” Hilfiger explained. “The ferry represents movement, exploration, and a sense of going somewhere new, which is exactly what fashion is about.”
The evening felt more like a chic seaside escape than a typical fashion show, with guests—including a star-studded front row—sipping cocktails on the open deck as the sunset cast a golden glow over the harbor. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, and Trevor Noah were spotted mingling with industry insiders, all dressed in variations of Hilfiger’s maritime-themed pieces.
In a fitting finale, the runway transformed into a dockyard scene, with models stepping down onto the ferry’s gangplank to the tune of a live performance by a local indie band, whose sea-shanty inspired music brought the night to a close on a high note. It was a blend of fashion, music, and maritime nostalgia, wrapped up in a thoroughly modern experience.
Hilfiger’s bold choice of venue and theme showcased not only his knack for reinvention but also his enduring commitment to celebrating the intersection of classic American culture and contemporary design. The ferry show will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most innovative highlights of this year’s Fashion Week—a testament to Hilfiger’s ability to push the boundaries while staying true to his roots.
As the ferry’s horn blared in the distance and the city lights twinkled across the water, it became clear that Hilfiger had successfully anchored his place in New York Fashion Week history with this bold, nautical statement.