Haute 100 NYC Update: Tommy Hilfiger Hosts ‘Strip Tennis’ in Bryant Park

This week fashion designer and Haute 100 lister Tommy Hilfiger hosted a tennis match in Bryant Park with his newest brand ambassador Rafael Nadal competing against fashion’s top models.

The event, which was billed as “Strip Tennis,” featured a shirtless Nadal squaring off in scorching hot 90-degree weather, all while flaunting the brand’s elastic from the underwear collection.

Those in attendance included fashion bloggers Danielle Berstein of We Wore What and Bryanboy as ball girl and boy, actress Jane Lynch as officiator and models Chanel Iman and Hannah Davis. There were also a number of spectators on deck watching the sizzling game.

In an interview with the Cut, Hilfiger discussed why fashion’s elite is drawn to tennis. He said, “Because it’s one-on-one, it’s not one team against another, the challenge is quite competitive. Serena [Williams] is out there on her own, playing someone who is trying very hard to beat her, and it’s a lot of tension, a lot of effort. A lot of training goes into it, a lot of mental [drive] goes into it, so it’s an exciting sport.”

As the 29-year-old prepares for the US Open, which is slated to commence next Monday, Aug. 31^st, the lifestyle brand also released a 30-second commercial featuring the tennis star via its social media accounts. In the video Nadal is seen in steamy underwear campaign doing what he does best: stripping down to his bare skin.

Nadal was announced as Tommy Hilfer’s latest brand ambassador last December, and will be the face of its tailored clothing, TH Bold fragrance as well as the underwear collection. As part of his new job description, Nadal will also appear in Hilfiger events in Europe as well as North America.

This is the tennis star’s second underwear campaign for a major fashion brand. Nadal also modeled alongside actress Megan Fox in steamy ads for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans.

See the haute campaign below:

Introducing the new face – and body – of our #TommyHilfiger underwear collection. You’re welcome! #RafaelNadal #TommyXNadal

A video posted by Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger) on Aug 24, 2015 at 9:07pm PDT

Photo via Instagram