ICONIC AMERICA - A ROLLER-COASTER RIDE THROUGH THE EYE-POPPING PANORAMA OF AMERICAN POP CULTURE

Inspired by Tommy Hilfiger's passion for Americana and George Lois' provocative visual power, Iconic America (Universe; November 2007; ISBN: 978-0-7893-1573-1; $60.00) presents a mosaic of over 400 iconic and iconoclastic images from the melting pot of the American experience. The influence that these iconic images have had on the world is immeasurable; however, it is the way in which they are uniquely juxtaposed on the pages of Iconic America that compels Americans to question who we are, what we stand for, and perhaps, where we should be heading. Not only does Iconic America celebrate the snap, crackle, and pop of American popular culture, it offers a poignant and compelling commentary on America, dramatizing the national ethos in a startlingly and refreshing new way.

As Tommy Hilfiger writes in the preface, "In a sad time of self-inflicted anti-Americanism, George Lois and I have endeavored to craft an enlightening book that reminds the world, as well as our fellow citizens, of the variety and magnificence of American pop culture." 

To coincide with the launch of the book Iconic America, Tommy Hilfiger has designed a unique capsule collection of T-shirts ($52) and sweatshirts ($75-$100), which feature striking and unexpected overlays of pop culture and Americana images, similar to the juxtapositions made in the book.  The collection will launch in select Tommy Hilfiger stores worldwide.

In addition to a grant from The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, Tommy Hilfiger will donate $5 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for every copy of the book Iconic America and each item of the capsule collection sold at Tommy Hilfiger stores. Fifty percent of that will go towards helping the children of the world and fifty percent towards educating American children about the world.

"UNICEF is delighted to partner with Tommy Hilfiger and this unique publication, Iconic America - a book that vividly captures the colorful mosaic that is the American spirit," said Caryl M. Stern, president and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  "Saving children's lives is what we do and I have seen the American spirit rally to intervene in humanitarian crises around the world - whether through volunteerism or charitable giving, its strength cannot be denied."

In addition to the edition that will be available wherever books are sold, a special exclusive cover of the book can be found at select Tommy Hilfiger stores worldwide.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

TOMMY HILFIGER: In 1985, fresh from his small home town of Elmira, New York, a young fashion designer with a boyish grin and an unpronounceable name was totally unknown when he launched a Tommy Hilfiger store on Manhattan's Upper West Side. His American "Classics with a twist" soon catapulted him into becoming one of the most famous and successful designer brands in the world. Tommy is a pure American designer, born and bred, continuously inspired by our multicultural society, as he embodies his ethos of classic American cool into a fresh international style. He is passionately involved in a variety of charities and causes, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project in Washington, D.C., The Anti-Defamation League, and the Fresh Air Fund as he aspires to help many others fulfill their American Dream. His excitement for all things American that have influenced his lifestyle and work has been reflected in four books published by Rizzoli:  All American - A Style Book (1997); Rock Styles (1999); New England Style (2003); and New England Icons and Inspirations (2006).

GEORGE LOIS: After returning as a Korean War veteran, a brash young son of Greek immigrants burst upon the scene in the late 1950s and became a pioneer of the Creative Revolution in advertising and design in the late 1960s. George Lois is the most creative, prolific design communicator of our time, renowned for dozens of marketing miracles that triggered innovative and populist changes in American culture. New York magazine famously named Lois "Superman of Madison Avenue, America's master communicator," and Time proclaimed him "a media renaissance man...an iconoclastic genius." The New York Times wrote of his equally legendary magazine covers, "Lois' Esquire covers are icons of the age...the legacy of a remarkable graphic designer and communicator." The New York Observer observed that "Lois creates a stir in the American psyche with a vivid track record in grasping the public's taste...making weirdly moving and powerful statements about America's culture."

ABOUT UNICEF: For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in more than 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying.  UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world.  While millions of children continue to die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival.

CREDIT LINE: Credit line must read ((c) ICONIC AMERICA, Universe, 2007); all images credited on a case-by-case basis. SERIAL RIGHTS are available. Please contact Jessica Napp @ 212.387.3436 or jnapp@rizzoliusa.com

ICONIC AMERICA
A Roller-Coaster Ride Through the Eye-Popping Panorama of American Pop Culture
By Tommy Hilfiger with George Lois
ISBN: 978-0-7893-1573-1; Hardcover; over 400 color illustrations; 368 pages; 9x12"
Price: $60.00 (US) / $77.00 (CAN)
Universe, an imprint of Rizzoli New York
PUBLICATION DATE: November 6, 2007

Cover available exclusively at select Tommy Hilfiger stores worldwide:

Contacts:
Jessica C. Napp
Publicity Manager
212-387-3436
jnapp@rizzoliusa.com

Roberta Greene
President
Phoenix Communications
646-918-6008
rgreene@robertagreene.com

Alex Spritzer
Director, Public Relations
Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A., Inc.
212-548-1343
aspritze@tommy-usa.com