In conversation with Tommy Hilfiger
We sat down with Mr. Tommy Hilfiger, Principle Designer of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, to chat all things fashion. Check out what the industry legend had to say about heritage, young creators, the European market and how he stays inspired.
As a designer, how do you ensure your collections stay true to your heritage while still appealing to the new, forward-thinking generation?
Tommy Hilfiger: The interesting and fun thing is finding this balance between timelessness and progression. Our roots have a preppy heritage that will never change. Yet when we revisit our icons and give them a new twist, we allow the rising generations to express themselves in their own unique way. That reflects the spirit of fashion to me.
What advice would you give young creators looking to break into fashion in today’s digital-first world?
Tommy Hilfiger: In today’s digital world, authenticity is key. Stay true to your vision, use social media to tell your story, and connect with your audience in a genuine way. Don’t be afraid to take risks and innovate, but always remember that fashion is about more than just clothes—it's about expressing who you are.
How do you balance timeless style with the need for innovation in a fast-evolving industry?
Tommy Hilfiger: Since the beginning, we have always been driven by the idea of taking classics from the American wardrobe and reinventing them with a contemporary twist. Our collections showcase iconic staples like the polo, varsity jacket and cable knits, and then we explore new ways to enrich them. We are currently playing with new proportions and elevating textures to infuse our pieces with timeless elegance and style.
What has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and how does it continue to influence your designs today?
Tommy Hilfiger: I’m constantly inspired by everything around me from art, music and pop culture to people I see on the street or social media. I also love seeing how our consumers around the world interpret our heritage style in their own unique ways – it is a fun part of the design process and always gives me incredible ideas.
In a world where trends come and go so quickly, how do you approach creating designs that stand the test of time?
Tommy Hilfiger: Our success has always come from remaining authentic to our heritage, keeping the brand young and always listening to our consumers. While we are firmly based in our timeless icons – and continue to reinvent them season after season – we collaborate with cultural heavyweights and pop culture icons who keep our brand relevant and at the forefront of the conversation.
What has been your proudest moment as a designer, and what does it mean to you personally?
Tommy Hilfiger: My proudest moment as a designer is seeing how the brand has resonated globally while staying true to its roots and my original vision. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people of all ages and backgrounds embracing the Tommy Hilfiger style.
How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated, especially after decades of success in the fashion world?
Tommy Hilfiger: I find inspiration everywhere—from music, art, and travel to the incredible people I meet. Staying curious and open to new ideas keeps me motivated. Fashion is always evolving, and I’m passionate about pushing boundaries while honouring our heritage. The thrill of innovation and the love for what I do continue to drive me every day.
What role do you think fashion plays in empowering individuals, particularly young people, to express their identity?
Tommy Hilfiger: Fashion is about empowering everyone to be authentically themselves and offering designs that speak to everyone. Our brand is all about celebrating this individuality and breaking conventions with relentless optimism. We stand behind a firm commitment to innovation and diversity – and since the beginning, we’ve always wanted to create a space where every person and every body feels included and celebrated.
As a designer with a global reach, how do you tailor your collections to reflect the diverse styles and cultural influences of European fashion?
Tommy Hilfiger: Our collections are deeply rooted in classic American designs, with elevated and athletic elements woven in. While we stay true to our heritage, it’s our consumers who bring these pieces to life in culturally diverse ways. For instance, someone in Europe might style an Oxford shirt and polo completely differently than someone in the U.S., and I love how our collections cross borders, allowing for these fresh interpretations.
What role does European street style play in influencing your designs, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
Tommy Hilfiger: We’re seeing a resurgence of timeless and sophisticated style. However, we also know our consumers love a relaxed and athletic aesthetic, so we want to infuse pieces with this vibe as well. I love exploring this tension between heritage mixed with contemporary and seeing how our European consumers and the next generation respond!
Can you tell us about your show at New York Fashion Week this past September?
Tommy Hilfiger: This season, we added a fresh, contemporary layer to our rich nautical heritage while celebrating the history of NYC. The show took place on one of the most quintessential NY landmarks, the decommissioned MV John F. Kennedy, which operated as the Staten Island Ferry for decades. With the city fully woven into our brand DNA, the venue captured the vibrant synergy between our legacy and New York City – while we wrote our nautical-inspired codes firmly into the vessel’s iconic legacy.
