Tommy Hilfiger Founder & Principal Designer

From his humble beginnings selling jeans as a high school student to establishing one of the world’s most iconic premium lifestyle brands, Tommy Hilfiger’s journey is a testament to passion, determination, and visionary leadership. It is this remarkable journey that has earned him the honor of being named the NRF Visionary for 2025. In an exclusive interview, Tommy Hilfiger shares insights into his illustrious career, the evolution of the industry, and the advice he would offer to those aspiring to build their careers in retail. 

What was your first job?   

My first jobs included mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and delivering newspapers. Then, at 13, I got the opportunity to work as a stock boy at a sporting goods store, where I immersed myself in learning about sports products, sparking my early interest in retail.

How did you get to the role you're currently in?

The idea of creating my own brand began  while I was running my People's Place stores, a small chain of shops I opened in my hometown of Elmira, New York , in the 1970s. These stores became a hub for young people, combining fashion, music, and pop culture in a way that was fresh and exciting. It was during this time that I realized the power of bringing my unique perspective to the fashion industry, leading me to envision my own brand. By 1985, that vision became a reality with the launch of the Tommy Hilfiger brand. Fast forward to 2024, and what started as a small venture has grown into a global brand with over 2,000 stores in 100 countries worldwide.  

Why did you choose retail as your career?   

From the moment I started working in retail, I knew it was the path I was meant to follow for the long term. 

What career advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self to stay focused on your vision and don't be afraid to take risks. It's also crucial to surround yourself with talented and bright people who have your best interests at heart. 

Tell us about an experience you've had that defines retail for you. 

The most profound experience I ever had was going bankrupt at 23 years old. I opened my People's Place stores when I was 18, but I didn't know anything about business. After my bankruptcy, I taught myself the business of the business, and that has helped me build the brand. 

Tell us about a great mentor and how they impacted your career. 

Leonard Lauder is a great mentor to this day. I call him on just about every big decision, and he's always there for me. I appreciate Leonard's honesty, humility, forthrightness, and extensive experience.

What three skills are key to succeeding in retail? 

Adaptability is essential to evolve with consumer trends and market changes. A strong consumer focus, understanding and anticipating their needs, is critical. Lastly, innovative thinking helps distinguish your brand from competitors and captivates consumer interest. 

What do you do to stand out? 

We focus on staying true to the brand’s identity while embracing new trends and innovations. We also align with pop culture to expand our reach and influence, ensuring our brand remains relevant and connects with diverse audiences worldwide.  

What is the biggest risk you have taken in your career? 

When I gave up the majority of ownership with my former business partners - it was a big risk, but it paid off.

What qualities do you look for in your employees? 

I look for passion, creativity, and a collaborative spirit in my employees. It’s important to have team members who are enthusiastic about our brand and aligned with our goals. 

What is your leadership philosophy? 

It’s centered on decisive action. Over-analyzing can cause missed opportunities, so it's crucial to trust your instincts and make informed, timely decisions to stay ahead.  

What innovations are you most proud of? 

One of the innovations I'm most proud of was the See-Now, Buy-Now fashion show extravaganza. For a number of years, we created a new concept, which was See-Now, Buy-Now, where we featured clothes on the runway that were available there and then.  

How do you turn off work, and how do you encourage your team to find work-life balance?  

Finding a work-life balance is essential, though it can be challenging when you're passionate about what you do. I manage it through exercise, travel, and quality time with my family, and I encourage everyone to find their own ways to strike that balance. 

What is one job most people are surprised to find out that is part of retail?  

Many are surprised by the extensive behind-the-scenes roles in retail, such as supply chain management and product development, which are crucial to the industry's success. Retail goes far beyond just designing clothes.  

What is something unexpected about your career in retail?  

One unexpected thing about my career in retail has been the power of collaboration. It’s been exciting to see how blending different perspectives can lead to something truly innovative and culturally impactful. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

The ability to give back meaningfully through our philanthropic efforts. Through the global PVH Cares program, we support various national and international nonprofit organizations, including the Red Cross Netherlands, Foreseeable Future Foundation, Race to Erase MS, and Fashion Minority Alliance. 

What is one misconception about retail that you would love to debunk for everyone?  

A common misconception is that retail is just about selling products. It’s about creating experiences and building relationships that foster brand loyalty. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re inviting customers into a lifestyle. 

How does the Tommy Hilfiger brand impact people in every community every day? 

Our brand makes an impact by making fashion both accessible and aspirational, ensuring everyone can express their individual style with confidence. 

What does the future of retail look like? 

It’s changing right now in front of our eyes as a result of it being Omni-channel. I think AI and livestream shopping will come into play, and I think that gaming is another form of retail. 

What does it mean to be recognized as the NRF Visionary?  

Being named the next Visionary by the National Retail Federation is an incredible honor. When I entered the fashion scene in 1985 with big dreams and passion, the North American retail community embraced my vision. Their belief was key to my journey as an American designer with global influence.  

About NRF Foundation Honors

The NRF Foundation connects people to an industry that's a great place to start and a great place to grow. Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised the funds to continue to provide programs and resources to help people build better lives and stronger communities.

Join us in New York City to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NRF Foundation Honors and be a part of the story of how retail builds extraordinary careers.