Some collaborations are based on brands’ synergistic styles. Others welcome a complete clash in design. Tommy Hilfiger’s latest collaboration, however, is based on a common belief in inclusivity and community.
The PVH Corp.-owned heritage brand partnered with Amsterdam-based streetwear label Patta for a unisex capsule collection “that captures the strength and influence of the African diaspora movement with the message unity is strength, division is weakness.”
The first-time partnership centers around the Pan-African Flag and Black unity, connecting the past to present times and the future. To celebrate this, the Tommy Hilfiger’s signature white, red and blue colors have been replaced by the traditional Pan-African colors of deep red, black, green and yellow, putting African culture and community self-actualization front and center.
The color scheme is applied to a series of iconic pieces from the Tommy Jeans archive, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jeans and outerwear. T-shirts feature the message, “Great principles, great ideals know no nationality.” Across the range, a hybrid Tommy Jeans flag is crossed with a Pan-African flag, which sit above the Patta logo.
As part of this partnership, Tommy Hilfiger and Patta will donate to The Black Archives from Amsterdam, Sistah Space from London, and The Good Neighborhood Collective from Milan—each chosen for its dedication to celebrating Afro-descendants and uplifting their voices.
Tommy Hilfiger recently teamed up with the Compton Cowboys to create a course that explores the power of mentorship through the lens of the personal stories and journeys of the L.A.-area equestrian group members and the history of African American cowboys. The education program is part of Tommy Hilfiger’s mission to build a more inclusive and sustainable company.
Patta, founded by Edson Sabajo and Guillaume ‘Gee’ Schmidt, both prominent figures in the Dutch hip-hop scene in the ’90s and early 2000s, has been a long-time supporter of the three European organizations. Through the donations, the streetwear company and Tommy Hilfiger seek to further build on their work to drive awareness, education and empowerment of the African diaspora movement.
The collection will be available beginning April 9 via Patta’s retail network and Pattaxtommy.com globally. The line will be available at select wholesale partners starting April 16.
