New York (CNN) -- Tommy Hilfiger began his career selling jeans out of the back seat of his car in upstate New York. On Sunday night, the designer celebrated the 25th anniversary of his fashion label with 25 limited-edition pieces inspired by American legends. 

"It's been an amazing journey from where I started," Hilfiger told CNN as looks derived from classic style icons hit the runway. 

"Grace Kelly--we have a halter dress inspired by her and a sleeveless trench, but with a modern twist," Hilfiger said. 

Next came a Steve McQueen-inspired navy pea coat, a James Dean-inspired leather motorcycle jacket and a Debbie Harry-inspired hooded sweater. 

Hilfiger said music, film and pop culture have always helped spark his ideas. In the early days, top rap musicians often sported his label. It symbolized cool street-wear in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Today's collection has evolved into a more preppy, country-club, classic look -- but with a rock 'n' roll vibe. 

"It's what I like to call the Tommy Twist," Hilfiger said, dressed in one of his own looks for the season: red trousers and a navy blue blazer, the epitome of relaxed preppy. 

In keeping with his pop-culture-infused style, the fashion show's after-party featured a live performance of critically acclaimed American rock band The Strokes, who made a comeback appearance after years of touring in Europe and Canada. 

After four years on hiatus while honing their skills on the music festival circuit overseas, the invite-only bash at the Metropolitan Opera House was the perfect opportunity to return home, said Denise Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Hilfiger and the band. 
what did Steve McQueen inspire?
what was Tommy dressed in?
what color were his pants?
and his coat?
what is this the epitome of?
who played at the after party?
what did Grace Kelly inspire?
how did Tommy Hilfiger start out in fashion?
what occasion was being celebrated?
what helped spark his ideas?
how many pieces were inspired by American legends?
who would often wear his clothes?
in what decades?
where had the Strokes been touring?
how long had they been on hiatus?
who was a spokesman for Hilfiger?
where did the celebration take place?
was it open to everyone?
navy pea coat
 navy pea coat
one of his own looks
one of his own looks
red
red
navy blue
navy blue
relaxed preppy
 relaxed preppy
The Strokes
 The Strokes
a halter dress
 a halter dress
selling jeans out of the back seat of his car
selling jeans out of the back seat of his car
25th anniversary of his fashion label
25th anniversary of his fashion label
film and pop culture
 film and pop culture
25
25
top rap musicians
top rap musicians
1980s and 1990s.
1980s and 1990s.
Europe and Canada.
Europe and Canada. 

four years
four years
Denise Sullivan,
Denise Sullivan,
Metropolitan Opera House
Metropolitan Opera House
no
invite-only