2-Final_Bass_PVH_Approved_Release_15.04.11 ... - Tommy Hilfiger
2-Final_Bass_PVH_Approved_Release_15.04.11 ... - Tommy Hilfiger
2-Final_Bass_PVH_Approved_Release_15.04.11 ... - Tommy Hilfiger
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TOMMY HILFIGER FOR G.H. BASS & CO.<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> to launch limited edition footwear collection in<br />
collaboration with G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co.: ‘Originals with a twist’.<br />
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS (May, 2011) – The <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Group, which<br />
is wholly owned by Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation [NYSE: <strong>PVH</strong>], is pleased to announce the<br />
launch of a limited edition footwear collection in collaboration with <strong>PVH</strong>’s classic American<br />
brand G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co. The collection will be centered around America’s most iconic preppy<br />
shoe, the “Weejuns” penny loafer, which has been a timeless classic since 1936. The “Weejuns”<br />
penny loafer by <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> for G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co. will bring together two of America’s<br />
quintessential brands for the first time.<br />
“It’s a great privilege to partner with G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co. on this special footwear collection,” said<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong>. “<strong>Bass</strong> is a true American institution. For more than 125 years they have been<br />
renowned for their outstanding craftsmanship and the quality of their products. Nothing says<br />
preppy, classic American like <strong>Bass</strong> “Weejuns” penny loafers and I am thrilled to be able to give<br />
this iconic item of preppy wardrobes an updated <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> twist.”<br />
The footwear collection offers a full range in both men’s and women’s styles with a surprising<br />
but subtle <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> twist. Men have the choice of “Weejuns” loafers in pony skin, full<br />
suede, and polished leather in pop colors or traditional wool plaid. Womens’ styles include a<br />
high heeled “Weejuns” loafer and the classic mens’ flat loafer reinterpreted for women in pony<br />
skin and polished leather, featuring details such as intricate needlepoint on the toe and contrast<br />
stitching. Colors are classic prep, including burgundy, bottle green and navy with grey wool plaid<br />
featuring highlights of royal blue that add an unexpected touch.<br />
Window displays in exclusive concept stores throughout Europe and the United States will<br />
debut in June 2011, marking the launch of the collection. Pre-launch displays inspired by vintage<br />
shoemaker shops will showcase “Weejuns” against a back wall mosaic composed of pennies in<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> signature red, white and blue. The collection will also be available in select<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> stores beginning October 2011. “See a penny pick it up, all day long you’ll have<br />
good luck”: customers purchasing “Weejuns” will be able to choose from pennies in three<br />
different colors to place in their shoes, instantly personalizing the loafers, which are then<br />
presented to them in one of two custom designed <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong>/<strong>Bass</strong> shoe bags.<br />
George Henry <strong>Bass</strong> founded G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co. when he became the owner of small shoe<br />
manufacturer E.P. Packard & Co in 1879. Originally a tanner, <strong>Bass</strong> took his expertise from<br />
working with leather and applied his knowledge to the shoe making business. G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co.<br />
quickly became known for quality leather, outstanding craftsmanship and, perhaps most<br />
importantly, listening to their customers. <strong>Bass</strong> shoes have been the footwear of choice for<br />
generations of loggers due to their versatility, durability and warmth. G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co introduced<br />
what would be their most famous moccasin in 1936: the “Weejuns” penny loafer was an instant<br />
hit with the sophisticated leisure set. Now, 75 years later, they are every bit as popular and<br />
stylish as they were then due to their timeless craftsmanship.
About the <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Group<br />
With a premium lifestyle brand portfolio that includes <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> and <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Denim, the<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Group is one of the world’s most recognized designer apparel groups. Its focus<br />
is designing and marketing high-quality menswear, womenswear, children’s apparel and denim<br />
collections. Through select licensees, the Group offers complementary lifestyle products such<br />
as accessories, fragrances and home furnishings. Merchandise under the <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> brands<br />
is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> retail<br />
stores, leading specialty and department stores and other select retailers and retail channels. For<br />
additional information about the <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Group, please visit www.tommy.com.<br />
About Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation<br />
Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel companies, owns and<br />
markets the iconic Calvin Klein and <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> brands worldwide. It is the world’s largest<br />
shirt and neckwear company. It markets a variety of goods under its own brands: Van Heusen,<br />
Calvin Klein, <strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong>, IZOD, ARROW, <strong>Bass</strong> and G.H. <strong>Bass</strong> & Co. Its licensed brands<br />
include Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael<br />
Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Trump, JOE Joseph Abboud, DKNY and Timberland. For additional<br />
information about Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, please visit www.pvh.com.<br />
For further information:<br />
# # #<br />
Abdel El Hamri<br />
Sr. Director of European Marketing and Communications<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Europe B.V.<br />
Tel: +31 (0) 20 589 5701<br />
abdel.elhamri@tommy.com<br />
Kimberley Witcomb<br />
Director of European Communications<br />
<strong>Tommy</strong> <strong>Hilfiger</strong> Europe B.V.<br />
Tel: +31 (0) 20 589 5714<br />
Kimberley.witcomb@tommy.com