The line of Tommy Hilfiger clothing debuted in the fall of 1985, but the history of the iconic designer started way before that.  Hilfiger started his first clothing business while still in high school in the late 60’s.

He and two friends invested $300 in used blue jeans and sold them out of an Elmira, New York basement building up the blue jean business into a chain of seven upstate New York stores called People's Place.  Throughout the 80’s Hilfiger’s clothing line was known for their brand focused campaigns stating the name, logo and image of Tommy himself.  There were close to 500 Tommy Hilfiger sections within department stores by the mid-1990s.  In 2001 sales faltered even though the brand, larger than ever with childrens, accessories, mens, womens, bed and bath, fragrance, cosmetics and more… but Hilfiger is a business man.  And with a true belief in his original vision he went back to his preppy roots and produced classic collection after collection.  Known for its consistent representation of affordable, aspirational luxury the Tommy Hilfiger brand now boasts a beautiful flagship store in Manhattan, and a list too long to write of principal subsidiaries.  His belief in design and the designer is a pleasure to be around and his devotion to the industry of fashion is never ignored.  Lynn Furge spoke to Tommy about American fashion and what that means in 2010.

Lynn Furge:  With a brand that so clearly represents Americana, how do you come up with new inspiration for the classic Tommy Hilfiger look season after season?

Tommy Hilfiger:  I am constantly inspired by America and its pop culture. My designs are about reinventing classics with a modern design aesthetic. 

LF:  You started in the retail sector of the fashion industry… how did the beginning prepare you for the design part of the industry?

TH:  To me business and design go hand in hand and are equally important. My experience in retail helped me really understand a customer’s needs; our customers’ feedback drives our designs today. 

LF:  With a great background in menswear what elements do you feel Tommy Hilfiger has that can cross over to Women’s, Children’s, even home goods?

TH:  There is a common thread in all of our products- quality, craftsmanship, and an aspirational yet affordable inspiration. A beautiful fabric for a men’s shirt can also be reinterpreted for a great duvet or a fun children’s pajama.

LF:  With a passion of being for the people, you acted as Master Designer for Macy’s Fashion Incubator. What do you hope the design youth got from your experience and guidance?

TH:  I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that if you dream big, and work hard, anything is possible.

LF:  There is always a rock and roll element to your ready- to- wear Tommy Hilfiger Collection. What classics do you always listen to when you hit the design studio to create the next season? Who are you loving musically right now?

TH:  I love listening to the music I grew up with- Blondie, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Right now I’m listening to a lot of Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend.

LF:  Recent reports are claiming that the “affordable luxury” brands are raising price while higher luxury brands struggle. Tommy Hilfiger has always been a brand associated with classic affordable luxury. How have you been able to balance craftsmanship with price point for so long?

TH:  We focus on the fit and detail, and our pieces are quality investments pieces that wear well and maintain their sophistication.

LF:  With retailers seeming scared to try anything new, let alone big, what drives you to strive ahead and consistently bring realistic and attainable clothing to your consumer?

TH:  We truly believe in our aspirational yet affordable heritage. I think if the product is good quality and looks beautiful, customers will continue to trust the brand.

LF:  To date you have 900 retail stores throughout the world, how do you create a harmonious balance between designing and bringing new styles to the public in such a global atmosphere?

TH:  While maintaining a consistent standard of good quality and craftsmanship, we have always believed in tailoring to the local market. Classic American sportswear can be tweaked to meet the needs of people living anywhere and I love seeing how different markets interpret our looks.

LF:  Obviously the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation is made up of a group of very talented individuals, what type of advice do you have for the young designer that wants to work in fashion?

TH:  As long as you work hard and are determined anything is possible. Think outside of the box, identify what you have to offer that is unique, and go for it.

LF:  Do you feel that with President Obama in the White House and both he and Michelle’s passion for wearing American designers, that the global consumer is paying more attention to the American fashion aesthetic, and if so how have you evolved your business to fit the new demand?

TH:  I think the Obamas are bringing positive attention to American fashion from a global perspective.