NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2001/ --- This fall, Tommy Hilfiger celebrates his long 'love story' with collegiate prep and Ivy League style. Hilfiger draws inspiration from the film "Love Story" -- from the stunning autumn color palette to the character Oliver's clean-cut, all American good looks. Classics abound throughout the collection, albeit with typical Hilfiger fanfare, for a bold, graphic look evocative of the designer's early years.

Red, white and blue serve Hilfiger well as the cornerstones of this collection, however touches of khaki, tobacco, burgundy, olive and burnt orange provide a fresh perspective on his time-honored signature color palette. Texture has never played a more prevalent role, as evidenced by the multitude of cable knits, pinwale cords, suede, moleskin, high ridge or brushed twill and waxed leather throughout the collection. Details formally reserved for college jocks are given new life and appeal under Hilfiger's helm, such as chenille or felt appliques, embroidery, bold piecing, color blocking and quilting. Logo treatments are minimal, with the timeless crest emblem subtly emblazoned on approximately two-thirds of the collection.

From the casual, athletic inspired pieces to those that demonstrate a more quiet sophistication, there is something for everyone. A three-in-one hooded leather varsity jacket has a dark grey body, ivory sleeves and a cozy zip out heather-fleece lining. The burgundy chenille "H" that resides on the chest adds a pop of whimsy while simultaneously enhancing the trim detail of an ivory, cable knit sweater and a plaid button front shirt. The classic rugby provides the perfect canvas for experimentation, which Hilfiger does wholeheartedly. Whether adorning striped rugby shirts in a variety of colors with felt renditions of his name, piecing fabrics in interesting ways or applying his now-famous use of the number 8, the shirts are a must-have item for fall. Veering away from athletic inspired pieces, but staying true to Ivy League prep, Hilfiger makes a bold statement with red or pine pinwale cords embroidered with all over navy crests or orange "H"s, respectively. A perforated leather, zip-front cardigan has wool sweater sleeves and back, collar and waist detail that look perfect with a mercerized cotton herringbone knit polo with tartan trim and cotton velveteen trousers with a tweed photographic print. A myriad of suedes in various colors are pieced together to become rugby-like or are hand painted with rep stripes commonly found in ties.

Hilfiger's jeans collection also preserves the American classics sensibility of his sportswear, yet with a younger edge. His heritage as a designer is evident everywhere, from the use of red, white and blue to the unique trim details and special finishes that men have come to expect from him. Pops of gold, orange and burgundy abound throughout, offering up a rugged, urban feel. Hilfiger, who has always experimented with innovative denim silhouettes and washes, finds numerous ways to keep denim new and original. Here he plays with texture by incorporating denim constructed by irregular cross weaves or with melange yarn fill. Hand sanding, whiskers or herringbone weaves on many styles give his denim a worn, broken-in feeling. Similarly, the indigo look for which he has been known for the past several seasons is dye cast in two new shades: blue/black and a sandblasted dark green for a slightly military result. Both rinses are available in the four classic silhouettes, as well as the new 485 jean that features a fuller, stovepipe leg. The 485 jean is named for the address of his design offices in New York.

Juxtaposing denims is a signature look for Hilfiger this fall. Look for a hooded jacket in dark, heavy-weight cross weave denim with a light weight, sandblasted denim patch pocket and a grey cotton jersey hood lining. The designer pairs the jacket with his super light ice wash jeans, adding yet another unexpected layer of denim color into the foray. Topped off with a bold red, white and blue horizontal-striped tee worn under a red, mini checked button front short, Hilfiger's statement is relaxed yet bold. The ever popular carpenter jean is updated when the under cuff is rolled up to reveal a slightly brown tint -- the result of a heather melange yarn fill. Shirts are soft with a worn-in look thanks to a multitude of vintage prints and textures, including brushed cottons and plush weaves. Military elements are sprinkled throughout the jeans collection, from the olive green garment dyed canvas cargos to the khaki coated ripstop shirting with epaulettes and flap pockets to the navy wool zip front sweater with contrasting navy and orange plated sleeves and collar. The entire collection has a layered appeal that guarantees instant gratification for the man who wants to wear his new wardrobe with ease, no matter what the unpredictable fall weather may bring.