DESIGNER: Tommy Hilfiger

INSPIRATION: The relaxed glamor of the Southern California boardwalk

TOP LOOKS: A flowing silk pale pink ensemble of jodhpurs, swing coat and blouse; Navy and white striped maillot (harking the return of the one-piece) and a white wool blazer; Long sleeve safari dress with gold grommets; Carmine silk jersey knotted gown; White one-shoulder drape silk jersey gown

ACCESSORIES: Edmundo Castillo for Tommy Hilfiger high-heel open-toe desert boots; Bright plastic rimmed sunglasses; Safari bags on long shoulder straps (the week's bag trend)

WHO WAS THERE: An entire chunk of front row was starlet-studded, which was why the paparazzi were concentrated in a swarm 15 feet-deep pre-show. When the sea of cameras cleared it was revealed that Taylor Swift (who was, reportedly, "not talking," but smiling aplenty), Penn Badgley, Naomi Watts, January Jones, Rosario Dawson, Emily Blunt, Mary Louise Parker were sitting runway side. Sarah Ferguson and Russell Simmons were seated right behind in the second row -- a perplexing and unflattering arrangement.

WHAT WE THOUGHT: Tommy pulled out parachute-like silks in a SoCal palette and nautical stripes -- a preppy mainstay for Spring. The collection was crisp, youthful, American -- quintessentially Hilfiger. There were pops of "Less Than Zero"-esque '80s teenage glamor, namely in Vuarnet-like shades and pastel, shoulder padded suits.

It's a reliable label with an equally as reliable price point. With Hilfiger's flagship opening to much fanfare two hours before the show, retail reality must be very much on his mind. As for editorial buzz, that's what the front row is for.