According to the CFDA, the "Americans in Paris” initiative was created as a global showcase for emerging American designers. As Paris Fashion Week attracts a wide array of international retailers, the showroom will provide invaluable global exposure for the designers as well as the sales, marketing, and media support necessary to expand their respective businesses." This spring Tommy Hilfiger and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund collaborate with ten lucky American designers to design their own versions of the Tommy Classic Trench Coat. “My own experience at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young designers,” Hilfiger comments in a release. “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to enter the fashion industry and I believe designers benefit from supporting and inspiring one another.” Not only are these trenches gorgeous and unique, three of each are for sale worldwide--talk about exclusive--and we foresee our favorite styles trickling down into our wardrobes in the near future!

The selected designers remixed a trench of their choice to portray their vision of style a la trench. The selection is breathtakingly awesome! Some styles were remade almost completely like the avant garde cape version by Monique Pean. Others replaced classic materials with variations, like Simon Spurr's contrasting leather or Creatures of the Wind's tartan sleeves. The limited edition designs from each designer are on sale this month at Tommy Hilfiger flagship stores around the globe for $298, following their exclusive display at Fall 2012 Paris Fashion Week. Fun fact, 100% of sales will be donated to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. There are still some coats available at Tommy Hilfiger's New York City 5th Avenue location, so shop now before it's too late!

Albertus Swanepoel decorates the trench with brightly colored, whimsical embroidery and a removable hood with an equally colorful printed lining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A rugged take on the trench reflects the signature southern charm of Billy Reid. This trench is a triple threat with it's comfortable broken-in fabric, stylish interior leather vest, and knit cuffs for extra weather protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creatures of the Wind give their trench a bit of schoolgirl-esque character with tartan sleeves and a home-bred, rosey hue. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't take much to totally transform a classic piece like the trench coat as seen by this version from Esquivel. The addition of the leather belt and pouch results in an effortlessly cool utilitarian style we love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floral lace covers this trench by Gregory Parkinson in a neutral colored print (with matching lining) and crisp white lace overlay on the sleeves. Perfect for spring!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hate to play favorites, but...this re-invisioned cape style trench from Monique Pean takes the cake! The two-toned natural and navy cape features a classic trench collar that  maintains the coat's traditional preppy style while the silhouette ups its modern, feminine appeal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohne Titel takes a darker approach to the trench's redesign with classic, goes-with-everything black with tough (and trendy) studs blanketing the shoulders and upper back, plus a few at the belted cuffs for good measure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love Pamela Love's rocker chic style, especially infused in her all-American trench. Dark washed denim sleeves embellished with silver studs, patches, and safety pin epaulets give this trench an extra edge. 

Prabal Gurung adds sweet lace detail to the trench coat's hem and cuffs, keeping the classic neutral shade for a style that appears traditional at first glance but finishes with a feminine twist.

Simon Spurr's menswear option has a classic masculine shape with its standing collar and slanted pockets paired with tough motorcycle sleeves in black leather --a stark contrast to the trench's light bone color.