Tommy Hilfiger Reveals What Makes Travis Kelce the Perfect Model

Tommy Hilfiger wanted an all-star team ahead of New York Fashion Week 2026. 

That's why the designer invited a few familiar faces to help him usher in a new chapter before he touches down at The Plaza Hotel to debut his Spring 2027 collection on Sept. 10.

Indeed, Travis Kelce entered his model era by starring in the label's Fall 2026 campaign at the iconic Manhattan hotel—and there's a reason Hilfiger wanted the Kansas City Chiefs player to take center stage.

"Travis Kelce is the ultimate superstar American athlete—he is friendly, he's fun," Hilfiger exclusively shared on Live From E! Stream: Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2027 Runway Show. "But when he dresses, he's serious. He really likes fashion."

Hilfiger emphasized how Kelce is ahead of the game with his signature style, which pairs perfectly with Hilfiger's preppy influences.

"When he's wearing his camel coat and his hoodie, that's classic and modern. He's wearing the varsity jacket, that's classic and modern," Hilfiger noted of the campaign looks. "He's wearing variations on all of our preppy classics. He makes them look great."

Another total catch on his squad? Gigi Hadid, who costarred with bestie Taylor Swift's husband in the Fall 2026 campaign. 

"Gigi is the quintessential Tommy girl," Hilfiger told E!. "She's All-American, she's sporty, she's fun, she's friendly. Everything and anything any designer would want opening the runway show."

He added, "We have an amazing relationship. She's Tommy Hilfiger family." 

She'll be runway ready to model his Spring 2027 collection during the Sept. 10 show, which Hilfiger said is inspired by "New York's finest."

"It's a remix of the preppy classics we've been doing for four decades," he explained. "What I wanted to do was evolve it, make it current for today, make it fun, colorful and full of surprises. We're bringing back our original crest embroidery. The flag is, of course, our corporate logo, but the crest is really a new addition."

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And he's really making a big play at New York Fashion Week.

"This season is going to be very exciting for us because we're not coming on a runway," the 75-year-old shared. "We're coming into an experience, not only for the clothes, but for the amount of influencers we have, the celebrities we have, the models we have. The music is a surprise."

Not to mention, "It's at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City," added the designer, who lived at the famous landmark for years with wife Dee Ocleppo. "We're taking over."

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