Hilfiger's American football love story on NY runway

NEW YORK, USA - Feted designer Tommy Hilfiger dominated New York Fashion Week on Monday with a spectacular catwalk show inspired by American football to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his clothing empire.

Hundreds of fashionistas, celebrities and admirers poured into the imposing Park Avenue Armory, braving near record-low winter temperatures for a ringside seat at the runway show of the day.

Robert Kraft, the tycoon who owns the New England Patriots football team that just won the Super Bowl, and NFL star Victor Cruz sat front row.

The floor was covered in astro turf to mimic a football pitch. The name Hilfiger was picked out in huge letters and a fantasy scoreboard read: "Home 20, Guests 15" while an entire wall was covered in football helmets.

The Hilfiger silhouette of fall/winter 2015 were projected onto giant screens during the show -- again as if at a football game.

The look was sporty, comfortable and elegant, reinventing the 1960s and early 1970s with stripy woolen capes and large buttons, oversized brown coats with large pockets and faux fur trim, sweatshirts and pinafores.

"This is a collection based upon love story meets American sports. I really wanted to blend both luxury and sports together, to get a casual sporty luxurious feel," the designer told AFP before the show.

American football, he said, was "a great inspiration."

"I love the sport," he said.

There was a large red leather poncho with a hood and oversized, striped sleeves, a leather mini dress sporting a 30 anniversary patch, kick pleat dresses, a white faux-fur bomber jacket and cable-knit pullovers.

Shoes were wedge heel football boots and Mary Janes.

Hilfiger came out at the end to rapturous applause, carrying an American football helmet which he handed to Kraft.