Marky Ramone, Hilfiger Launch Capsule Collection

Musician Marky Ramone, former drummer of The Ramones, has teamed with Tommy Hilfiger to launch a small collection of rock ’n’ roll–inspired apparel under the Tommy Hilfiger Group’s Hilfiger Denim collection.

The pairing of a punk icon with Hilfiger’s all-American prep might seem counterintuitive, but Hilfiger has a long history of association with musicians—from Snoop Dogg and Aaliyah to Britney Spears and Beyonceacute;. Plus, the two met years ago when Hilfiger’s brothers Andy and Billy played in a band with Ramone.

“You’d be surprised,” said Ramone during a recent trip to Los Angeles. “He’s into The Ramones, The Clash, The [Rolling] Stones. He’s into all genres of music. He was always behind rap and hip-hop; he’s into everything. That’s what’s great about him. He takes chances.”

The collection is named “Rock Scene” in honor of the now-defunct music magazine founded in 1973. Today, Ramone owns Rock Scene Brands LLC with Andy Hilfiger and Tara Barrett. The entertainment-based apparel and lifestyle company was founded to “celebrate legends of music, as defined by the magazine, giving iconic style a modern remix.”

Ramone kept a close eye on the development of the Hilfiger Denim “Rock Scene” collection, which includes a men’s leather jacket and a women’s style, denim for men and women, and a series of graphic tees that will feature “Rock Scene” and Ramones logos.

Retail prices range from $40 to $595.

All styles harken to Ramone’s personal style. The jacket is made from Italian leather with a zebra-print lining. “You don’t have to wear it for 20 years to break it in,” he said. The jeans are skinny and not over-embellished—exactly how the rocker wants it because it has his imprimatur.

“Here’s my stamp on it. Wear it. Enjoy it,” he said.

For more information about Hilfiger Denim’s Rock Scene collection, visit www.hilfigerdenim.com. For more information about Rock Scene Brands, visit the company’s MySpace page (www.myspace.com/rockscenefashion).—Alison A. Nieder