Tommy Hilfiger Debuts New Collection On a Ferry Boat For NYFW

New York Fashion Week is in full swing.

From September 6-11, designers such as Off-White and Tom Ford have finally revealed their collections for the world to see, and designer Tommy Hilfiger is no exception. On Sunday, Tommy Hilfiger incorporated his love for New York City and its landmarks into a nautical theme and invited his guests aboard a decommissioned ferry boat. He not only gave them a show, but a rap-filled finale as well. 

Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2025 collection featured nautical style stripes “inspired by sailing heritage,” the label explained, and relaxed styles like capri pants and oversized knits. Tommy Hilfiger’s much-loved varsity jackets, trench coats, club blazers, and polos were included. Accessories included bandanas around the neck. “It’s the New American Prep wardrobe,” the label said in a statement, “fusing vibrant Ivy League style with everyday coastal functionality.”

The finale was one of the stars of the show, with performances by Ghostface, Killah, Method Man, and Raekwon from the legendary Staten Island group Wu-Tang Clan, who intertwined through the runways and seats as they rapped. The soundtrack was created by Questlove, who was the DJ for Tommy Hilfiger‘s February show, which was set at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station.

Tommy Hilfiger told the Associated Press before the show, “We’re inspired by nautical this season.” “But it’s nautical, preppy, collegiate, all-American and modern. So we needed to show it either on the water, on a boat, or near the water. Then we found out the Staten Island Ferry was available.”

According to the Associated Press, the boat, called the John F. Kennedy, served as a Staten Island Ferry until it was decommissioned in 2021. It was bought the following year by actor-comedian Pete Davidson and “Saturday Night Live’s” Colin Jost, who both grew up in the New York City borough.

Furthermore, waiters strolling between the ferry seats served guests Champagne, beer, hot dogs, soft pretzels, and custom boxes of caramel corn with a Hilfiger logo and Statue of Liberty pins inside as a prize.

Tommy Hilfiger said, “We are really the first people to utilize it (the ferry) for an event.” “We’re really excited.”

According to ABC7 NY, Colin Jost was delighted to see the boat being used for the purpose he imagined. “It’s pretty crazy,” Colin Jost said. “It’s one of the few days where I’ve been on the boat and been like, ‘Oh, say, this is nice. This is how it can work.”

“I took this exact boat every single morning to high school,” Colin Jost added, explaining why he’d bought the boat. “And when it was available, I just loved the vibe of it.”

Model Brooke Shields had an emotional evening. Her daughter, Grier, was taking a break from her freshman year at college to appear on her first Fashion Week runway.

“I got very emotional,” Shields said. “It was her first show, and this is something she wanted to do. And I said, ‘You’ve got to go to college, but it’s a Sunday, so it’s okay.'”

Actors Shay Mitchell and Madelyn Cline also made appearances for the show.

“Incredible, as always,” said Shay Mitchell. “I want every piece. The accessories were phenom, and how do you end a show better than what he did?”