Thomas Jacob Hilfiger (born March 24, 1951) is an American fashion designer and founder of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation. He co-founded a fashion store, People’s Place, in the 1970s before launching his menswear line in the 1980s, later expanding into women’s clothing and luxury items.
Known for incorporating music subcultures into his designs, Hilfiger gained celebrity endorsements, including Aaliyah. He sold his company in 2006 for $1.6 billion. In 2012, he received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
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Table of Contents
Tommy Hilfiger Net Worth
Tommy Hilfiger has a net worth of $450 million. In the summer of 1969, he worked at a Cape Cod clothing store. By 1971, he opened People’s Place in downtown Elmira with just $150.
After stocking the store with New York City clothing, he started designing his own. The chain went bankrupt in 1977, prompting Hilfiger to take business courses. In 1979, he launched Tommy Hill. After being fired from Jordache, he founded Tommy Hilfiger Corporation in 1985, launching it with a bold marketing campaign.
Early Life
Tommy Hilfiger, born Thomas Jacob Hilfiger in Elmira, New York, is the son of Virginia, a nurse, and Richard, a watchmaker. Growing up in a Catholic household with eight siblings, Hilfiger claims to be a direct descendant of poet Robert Burns.
As a youth, he developed an interest in fashion, sports, and music. He credits his parents for instilling values of compassion and hard work. Tommy graduated from Elmira Free Academy and briefly attended the Greater Southern Tier BOCES Bush Campus.
Career
In the summer of 1969, Tommy Hilfiger worked at a Cape Cod clothing store. Two years later, he opened People’s Place in downtown Elmira with just $150. After stocking the store with New York City clothing, he began designing his own. The chain went bankrupt in 1977, leading Hilfiger to take business courses.
After working for several fashion labels, he launched Tommy Hill in 1979. He was hired by Jordache, but fired after a year. In 1985, he founded Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, marking its debut with a major marketing campaign.
Personal Life
In 1976, Tommy Hilfiger met Susan Cirona, an employee at People’s Place in Ithaca, and they married in 1980. They had four children: one son and three daughters.
In 2003, their daughter Ally appeared on the MTV reality series Rich Girls, and their son, Richard (“Ricky Hil” or “Rich Hil”), is a rapper. The couple divorced in 2000. On December 12, 2008, Hilfiger married Dee Ocleppo, and they had a son in 2009.
Is Tommy Hilfiger owned by Calvin Klein?
PVH Corp., formerly known as Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, is an American clothing company that owns brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, along with Warner’s, Olga, and True & Co. The company also licenses brands such as Kenneth Cole New York and Michael Kors.
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Conclusion
Tommy Hilfiger’s journey in the fashion industry is a testament to his visionary approach and business savvy. His net worth of $450 million is a reflection of his ability to consistently innovate and adapt to changing trends, solidifying his status as a titan in the world of fashion.
FAQs about Tommy Hilfiger’s Net Worth
- How did Tommy Hilfiger begin his career in fashion? – He started with a small store called People’s Place in upstate New York.
- What are the key factors behind Tommy Hilfiger’s brand success? – His integration of music culture with fashion and collaborations with celebrities.
- How has Tommy Hilfiger’s brand evolved over the years? – From classic preppy styles to more diverse, inclusive, and modern designs.
- What are Tommy Hilfiger’s other business ventures? – Real estate, venture capital investments, and philanthropy.
- How does Tommy Hilfiger’s net worth compare to other fashion designers? – While significant, it is less than some other fashion legends like Giorgio Armani.
