“The Man Behind the Brand”

What gave birth to a fashion maestro?

I grew up in Elmira, a small town in upstate New York. When I was a teenager I fell in love with rock-and-roll and wanted to be a rock star, except I couldn’t play an instrument! I decided to try and look the part instead, but the styles I wanted weren’t available in Elmira, so it became my new dream to develop very cool, rock-and-roll-inspired clothing. When I was 18, I opened my first store, People’s Place, where we sold bell bottoms and other cool styles that hadn’t been seen in our small town. It set the foundation for my career and confirmed that designing was my true passion. Soon after that I moved to New York City and in 1985 I founded the Tommy Hilfiger brand.

What made Tommy Hilfiger what it is today?

The experience of opening People’s Place was my real-world degree. I learned to do everything myself and worked with an inspiring group of business partners. There were challenging moments, but it gave me the experience to start my own namesake brand in 1985 and to achieve my goal of building a global American brand. Today, we have over 1,400 stores in 90 countries worldwide. Always staying true to my vision for the brand has been the key to success throughout my career.

How did your sense of design and fashion evolve from your days running People’s Place to your latest collection?

Since the ‘70s, many trends have come and gone, but I’m still drawn to my original core sources of inspiration: classic collegiate styles and East Coast prep remain at the heart of our brand heritage.

Photo credit: TH Fall/Winter Collection

You’ve been able to make customers and brand ambassadors of icons you admired in your youth (David Bowie, Mick Jagger, etc.). Did their personalities shape your thoughts on fashion in any way?

Rock-and-roll icons like David and Mick have been long-time inspirations for me and they have influenced my designs many times throughout the years. I love looking back to the early days of rock-and-roll, when individuality and creativity were central to the musicians’ wardrobe. They’d all create a stage persona with a completely unique style which would eventually reach the public.

Who are the style icons you admire the most?

Looking back in history is an endless source of inspiration for me. I’ve always admired the classic, effortless styles of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie O – they are icons, and we still celebrate and are inspired by them today.

Photo credit: TH Fall/Winter Collection

What is the TH legacy?

“Classic American cool” style with a preppy twist.

What’s the latest from your Fall/Winter 2014 collection? What are some of the broad themes for the Fall?

Our Fall 2014 sportswear collection, Tech Tradition, is inspired by a modern blend of all-American sportswear and traditional British heritage. We’ll see lots of statement outerwear, tartan prints, sophisticated tailoring and tech-inspired details.

Photo credit: TH Fall/Winter Collection

What’s the biggest trend you are trying to tap for the Spring/Summer 2015?

Our Spring 2015 sportswear collection takes its inspiration from the great American outdoors – from the sprawling countryside to picturesque small towns. We’ve embraced the outdoors to the fullest and you’ll see lots of surplus, utility, maritime and military influences combined with our signature preppy twist. It’s colorful, laidback and authentic Americana.

Photo credits to Richard Phibbs for Tommy Hilfiger's portrait.