The Rebirth of Tommy Hilfiger ... S/S 2008

Before I took fashion blogging and writing seriously, the images that appeared on my mind when talking about sportswear were different and weird.

They would be muscular men in tanks and shorts working out, or ladies in Stella McCartney for Adidas exercising to the beat of the music or bending their bodies to the Ashtanga movement in Christy Turlington's Nuala for Puma over yoga mats.

But it all changed when I began to understand that sportswear are more than what you wear to the gym or on track. It could be sartorial pieces worn by pool players as well. At the recent Tommy Hilfiger Spring/Summer 2008 fashion showcase, the designer returns to the runway with a more polished image on classic American sportswear.

As his customers are starting to embrace a more sophisticated style, Spring at Tommy Hilfiger means classics and alliterative fused with carefree confidence and effortless elegance.

Strong and iconic collection of seasonal staples such as double-breasted navy jackets in coarse gabardine worn over striped silk pyjamas, brass-buttoned blazers, shirtdresses influenced by infusions of mood from American legends F. Scott Fitzgerald and Lauren Hutton, and the inevitable Spring must have - trench coats.

Other matches made in heaven highlighted in the collection by Hilfiger are silk blouses paired with sailor pants, wide trousers (a must have for next season wardrobe) or cuffed shorts.

There are also navy off-shoulder dress with ruffled hemline and sculpted sleeves which looks so classy and can be worn throughout the seasons, simple shift dress in either blue or bold stripes print, white plunging neckline dress with multi-hued sashed around the waist, and the eye-catching maillot with map-printed shorts.

For men, sartorial looks ruled the runway with clean, sharp suits, double-breasted striped jacket with brass buttons, pink trousers with seahorse prints, and plain shirts in navy, one of Hilfiger's trademark colors. For accessories, making a grand return are the oversized top handle bags and hats.

Yes, create fashion statement for yourself by totting the oversized top handles that can be match with any pieces. Another addition to the wardrobe will be the peep-toe Oxfords with high-heels and lace-up front accent.

Tommy Hilfiger's Spring/Summer 2008 collection for men and women will be available next year at all Tommy Hilfiger stores worldwide.

*Photos by Style.com

Tommy Hilfiger - G313A, Ground Floor, Highstreet Zone, One Utama Phase 2, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya.