A classic American designer with strong ties to rock and rap music, Tommy Hilfiger started his retail career with a store called the People’s Place in his native Elmira, New York. It expanded to a chain of ten locations before going bankrupt. He then moved to New York City and launched his eponymous label to almost immediate media interest. He also gained the interest of the rap community, who took to wearing his clothes many sizes too large. Tommy reacted by designing them bigger and bolder and by sending trunks of clothes to his favorite rappers with record deals. Eventually he reined in the ghetto-fab duds in an effort to return to his preppy roots. As of fall 2008, Tommy Hilfiger is sold exclusively in the U.S. at Macy’s and Tommy Hilfiger boutiques—an interesting business maneuver for such an established brand. The label’s current owners, Apax Partners, have valued the company at between $3 billion and $4 billion.

Status

Established, Household Name

Clients

Prince Charles, Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez

Other Product Lines

Eyewear, Fragrances, Home, Handbags, Jeans, Lingerie, Shoes, Sneakers, Underwear

Owned By

Apax Partners

Address

25 W. 39th St., eleventh fl.
New York, New York 10018
212-840-8888

Where To Buy

Tommy Hilfiger, Macy’s

Related Websites

• Men.Style.com: Tommy Hilfiger (Media)
• Tommy Hilfiger (Official)
• Style.com: Tommy Hilfiger (Media)
• Wikipedia: Tommy Hilfiger (Other)