The place to be last Friday night? Macy’s flagship in Herald Square. Hundreds of adoring fans held their breath in excitement as rock n’ roll icon Steven Tyler, face of the new Andy Hilfiger-designed Andrew Charles Collection, hit the scene prepared to party and officially launch the line. This Legendary Aerosmith frontman and American Idol judge – accompanied by his drop-dead gorgeous daughters Mia & Chelsea – was not only the inspiration for these rocker-chic pieces but also a key collaborator in their creative development. Chelsea is even featured in the ad campaign!
Throngs of fans of all ages — many sporting their just-snagged Andrew Charles goods — lined up for a photo opp with the man of the hour. Tyler, who layered a black leather vest over a ruched black button down shirt matched with seriously bedazzled bellbottom jeans, was clearly no stranger to the limelight. We were touched to see his soft rock side revealed as he comforted star struck women, bear-hugged giddy male fans, and chatted with wide-eyed tots.
How did Tyler and Hilfiger find themselves working together? Well, we’ve got the scoop for you. Turns out the two met up about six months ago for a jaunt through Tyler’s storied and insanely massive closet…
“I mean, some I gave to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, obviously, but some of it’s just crazy. In the early days before Aerosmith got famous and we had no money, I’d go into a fabric store and I’d buy bolts. I’d find something and say, ‘Can I make a shirt out of this?’” Tyler told Fashionista. “It’s a lot of stuff from the 70’s and we were just playing dress up,” Hilfiger added, “Snakeskin boots, very cool leather jackets, velvet, leopard….”
Tyler’s style philosophy has changed little over the years. “Take a risk,” he advises. “Because what you wear evokes an energy and also makes you feel special. So try it out, it’s a fun thing to do.” Risk takers do, however, have to face the critics sometimes. “My kids used to say to me, ‘Daddy, you’re not wearing that on stage are you?’,” he laughs.
Now his iconic sartorial tastes serve as the style inspiration for Andrew Charles. The line includes very boho-chic pieces for the ladies —romantic lace tops in edgy cuts, slick leather jackets, 70’s-reminiscent paisley prints, and, of course, tons of leopard print faux fur. The menswear also includes quite of bit of leopard (which a fair number of the male attendees were totally owning on Friday night), plus bell-bottom denim, python trousers and leather galore.
The easiest way to channel Tyler style? Toss on one of his signature scarves in a flamboyant print. Because you can’t possibly belt out “Sweet Emotion” standing in front of the mirror at home, hairbrush microphone in-hand without working the scarf look. And believe us, this new collection will have you doing just that. Have you checked out the line? What do you think of it?
