Biography
Tommy Hilfiger, born Thomas Jacob Hilfiger on March 24, 1951 in Elmira, New York, is an iconic American fashion designer, best known for his eponymous brand.
He started his career in the late 1960s by opening a store called “People’s place” with a childhood friend, catering to the hippie culture of the time. In 1985, he launched the Tommy Hilfiger brand, which quickly became synonymous with classic American style, with its signature red, white and blue logo.
The brand gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, especially among the hip-hop and celebrity communities, which helped elevate its status. Known for fusing preppy style with streetwear, Tommy Hilfiger’s designs have a broad appeal, loved by many consumers. Today, Tommy Hilfiger is a global empire that offers clothing, fragrances, accessories, and home decor.
Outside of fashion, Hilfiger is recognized for his philanthropy, supporting children’s charities and educational initiatives. His commitment to inclusivity and celebrating diversity has helped his brand stay relevant through changing fashion trends.
American fashion designer
Tommy Hilfiger |
|
|---|---|
 Tommy Hilfiger: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
|
| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Thomas Jacob Hilfiger |
| Stage name: | Tommy Hilfiger |
| Born: | March 24, 1951 (age 73) |
| Place of birth: | Elmira, New York, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | Elmira Free Academy |
| Height: | 169cm |
| Parents: | Virginia Hilfiger and Richard Hilfiger |
| Siblings: | Andy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, Billy Hilfiger, Betsy Hilfiger |
| Couple: | Dee Ocleppo (married 2008), Susie Hilfiger (married 1980–2000) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Richard Hilfiger, Ally Hilfiger, Elizabeth Hilfiger, Kathleen Hilfiger, Sebastian Hilfiger |
| Job: | Fashion Designer • Businessman |
| Net worth: | 450 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
Tommy Hilfiger was born on December 24, 1951, in Elmira, New York, to parents of German and Irish descent. He was raised in a Catholic home. His father, Richard Alan Hilfiger, was a watchmaker and jeweler, while his mother, Virginia Hilfiger (née Sproat), was a homemaker.
He grew up with his four siblings, Andy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, Billy Hilfiger and Betsy Hilfiger, all of whom are involved in the fashion and business world in various roles.
Tommy Hilfiger attended Elmira Free Academywhere he developed his passion for fashion and his entrepreneurial spirit, selling flared jeans to his classmates. A college dropout, he entered the fashion world straight out of high school, illustrating his path to self-made success.
Career
Tommy Hilfiger’s career began at the age of 18 when he opened People’s place in upstate New York, a store inspired by the hippie culture of the time. Despite its initial success, the store eventually went bankrupt, providing Hilfiger with valuable business lessons that would shape his future ventures. In 1985, he co-founded Tommy Hilfiger Groupquickly attracted attention with its classic American style, red, white and blue colors and neat design.
The 1990s marked a turning point for Hilfiger as his brand became closely associated with hip-hop culture, significantly enhancing its street cred and broadening its market appeal. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tommy Hilfiger had become a global fashion powerhouse. His strategic use of licensing agreements across a range of products expanded the brand’s reach and influence. In 2006, the company was sold to Apax Partners for $1.6 billion, and in 2010, PVH Company acquired it, further strengthening its global presence.
Tommy Hilfiger embraced digital transformation from the start, leveraging social media and e-commerce to connect with younger consumers. He also prioritized sustainability, launching initiatives like Tommy Hilfiger Adapt about clothing designed for people with disabilities and supports environmentally friendly activities under the banner of Sustainable Innovation.
Throughout his career, Tommy Hilfiger has received many awards, including CFDA Lifetime Achievement Awardrecognized for his significant contributions to fashion. His personal brand extends beyond fashion to real estate, investing, and television, where he shares his insights on fashion and entrepreneurship.
Business
- Tommy Hilfiger Corporation – His flagship fashion brand is known for its authentic, American style. It includes clothing, accessories, fragrances and home products.
- Tommy Jeans – A sub-brand of Tommy Hilfiger that focuses on denim and casual wear, targeting a younger audience.
- Tommy Hilfiger Tailored – A line that offers more formal and business-like clothing.
- Hilfiger Collection – The premium line of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, offering luxury fashion items.
- Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive – A unique line designed for people with disabilities, with clothing featuring easy-to-use features like magnetic closures.
- Real Estate Investments – Although details may not be publicly available, Hilfiger has invested in real estate, particularly properties that can be used as personal residences or business opportunities.
- Licensing Agreements – Hilfiger has entered into numerous licensing agreements for products such as eyewear, watches, and fragrances, expanding the brand’s reach without directly manufacturing these items.
- Tommy x Lewis Hamilton – A collaboration with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, combining fashion with motorsport culture.
- Investing in startups and ventures – While details are scarce, like many successful entrepreneurs, Hilfiger may have invested in various startups or ventures outside of the fashion space.
- Media and Entertainment – While not a traditional business, Hilfiger has ventured into the media industry through appearances on television shows where he discusses fashion, business, and personal insights, potentially leading to branded content or partnerships.
Social media
- Instagram: Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger)
- IMDb: Tommy Hilfiger
- Facebook: Tommy Hilfiger | Terrebonne QC
- Twitter: Tommy Hilfiger (@TommyHilfiger)
- YouTube: Tommy Hilfiger
Personal life
Tommy Hilfiger, born on March 24, 1951, has an active personal life alongside his career. He married Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger in 2008 after they met in Saint-Tropez in 2005. Dee, whose full name is Deniz Caroline Erbuğ, was born on November 24, 1966 and is active in the fashion and business world.
Hilfiger was previously married to Susan Cirona, also known as Susie Hilfiger, with whom he had four children: Richard Hilfiger, Ally Hilfiger, Elizabeth Hilfiger, and Kathleen Hilfiger. After their divorce, Hilfiger and Dee welcomed a son named Sebastian Hilfiger, making him the father of five children, including a blended family with Dee’s children from her previous marriage.
Standing at around 169 cm (5 feet 6 inches), Tommy Hilfiger has balanced his personal and professional life, with family relationships playing an important role. His marriage to Dee followed his previous long-term relationship with Susan Cirona.
Net worth
Tommy Hilfiger has an estimated net worth of $450 million. His fortune comes primarily from his fashion brand, Tommy Hilfiger Groupwas founded by him in 1985. This brand is famous for “good student with a little change” The style had a significant influence on fashion culture, especially in the 1990s when it was embraced by hip-hop artists and celebrities.
Although he sold a majority stake in the company in 1989, Hilfiger remains actively involved in design and brand strategy. Various business ventures, including real estate investments, have further bolstered his net worth.
