Tommy Hilfiger Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Height, Watches, Shoes

Biography

Tommy Hilfiger, born Thomas Jacob Hilfiger on March 24, 1951, in Elmira, New York, is an iconic American fashion designer best known for his namesake brand.

He began his career in the late 1960s by opening a store called “The People’s Place” with a childhood friend, catering to the hippie culture of the time. In 1985, he launched the Tommy Hilfiger brand, which quickly became associated with the classic American style, featuring its distinctive red, white, and blue logo.

The brand gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, particularly in the hip-hop community and among celebrities, helping elevate its status. Known for blending preppy elements with streetwear, Tommy Hilfiger‘s designs have a broad appeal, resonating with a wide range of consumers. Today, Tommy Hilfiger is a global empire offering clothing, fragrances, accessories, and home decor.

Beyond fashion, Hilfiger is recognized for his philanthropy, supporting children’s charities and education initiatives. His commitment to inclusivity and celebrating diversity has helped his brand remain relevant through evolving fashion trends.

Tommy Hilfiger
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Thomas Jacob Hilfiger
Stage Name:	Tommy Hilfiger
Born:	24 March 1951 (age 73 years old)
Place of Birth:	Elmira, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Elmira Free Academy
Height:	169 cm
Parents:	Virginia Hilfiger, Richard Hilfiger
Siblings:	Andy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, Billy Hilfiger, Betsy Hilfiger
Spouse:	Dee Ocleppo (m. 2008), Susie Hilfiger (m. 1980–2000)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Richard Hilfiger, Ally Hilfiger, Elizabeth Hilfiger, Kathleen Hilfiger, Sebastian Hilfiger
Occupation:	Fashion Designer • Businessman
Net Worth:	$450 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Tommy Hilfiger was born on December 24, 1951, in Elmira, New York, to a family of German and Irish descent. He was raised in a Christian household. His father, Richard Alan Hilfiger, was a watchmaker and jeweler, while his mother, Virginia Hilfiger (née Sproat), was a homemaker.

He grew up alongside his four siblings, Andy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, Billy Hilfiger, and Betsy Hilfiger, who have all been involved in fashion and business in different capacities.

Tommy Hilfiger attended Elmira Free Academy, where he developed a passion for fashion and entrepreneurship. He often sold bell-bottom jeans to his classmates. Forgoing higher education, he entered the fashion world directly after high school, exemplifying his self-made path to success.

Career

Tommy Hilfiger‘s career began at 18 when he opened The People’s Place in upstate New York, a store inspired by the hippie culture of the time. Despite its early success, the store eventually went bankrupt, offering Hilfiger valuable business lessons that shaped his future ventures. In 1985, he co-founded the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, which quickly gained traction with its classic American style, red, white, and blue colors and preppy designs.

The 1990s marked a turning point for Hilfiger as his brand became closely associated with hip-hop culture, greatly enhancing its street credibility and expanding its market appeal. By the late ’90s and early 2000s, Tommy Hilfiger had become a global fashion powerhouse. His strategic use of licensing deals for a range of products broadened the brand’s reach and influence. In 2006, the company was sold to Apax Partners for $1.6 billion, and in 2010, PVH Corp. acquired it, further solidifying its global presence.

Tommy Hilfiger embraced digital transformation early on, leveraging social media and e-commerce to connect with younger consumers. He also prioritized sustainability, launching initiatives like Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive for clothing designed for people with disabilities and advocating for eco-friendly practices under the banner of Sustainable Innovation.

Throughout his career, Tommy Hilfiger has received numerous accolades, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes his significant contributions to fashion. His personal brand extends beyond fashion into real estate, investments, and television, where he shares insights on fashion and entrepreneurship.

Businesses

• Tommy Hilfiger Corporation – His flagship fashion brand known for its preppy, all-American style. It includes clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home products.
• Tommy Jeans – A sub-brand under Tommy Hilfiger focusing on denim and casual wear, targeting a younger demographic.
• Tommy Hilfiger Tailored – A line that offers more formal and business attire.
• Hilfiger Collection – A higher-end line within the Tommy Hilfiger brand, offering luxury fashion items.
• Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive – A unique line designed for people with disabilities, featuring clothing with easy-to-use features like magnetic closures.
• Real Estate Investments – While specifics might not be widely publicized, Hilfiger has invested in real estate, particularly in properties that might serve as personal residences or business opportunities.
• Licensing Deals – Hilfiger has entered into numerous licensing agreements for products like eyewear, watches, and fragrances, expanding the brand’s reach without directly producing these items.
• Tommy x Lewis Hamilton – A collaboration with Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton, merging fashion with motorsport culture.
• Investments in Startups and Ventures – Although less detailed information is available, like many successful entrepreneurs, Hilfiger has likely invested in various startups or business ventures outside of fashion.
• Media and Entertainment – While not a traditional business, Hilfiger has ventured into media through appearances on TV shows, where he discusses fashion, business, and personal insights, potentially leading to branded content or partnerships.

Social Media

• Instagram: Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger)
• IMDb: Tommy Hilfiger
• Facebook: Tommy Hilfiger | Terrebonne QC
• Twitter: Tommy Hilfiger (@TommyHilfiger)
• YouTube: Tommy Hilfiger

Personal Life

Tommy Hilfiger, born on March 24, 1951, has had a dynamic personal life alongside his career. He married Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger in 2008 after they met in Saint-Tropez in 2005. Dee, whose full name is Deniz Caroline Erbuğ, was born on November 24, 1966, and is active in fashion and entrepreneurship.

Before this, Hilfiger was married to Susan Cirona, also known as Susie Hilfiger, with whom he shares four children: Richard Hilfiger, Ally Hilfiger, Elizabeth Hilfiger, and Kathleen Hilfiger. After their divorce, Hilfiger and Dee welcomed a son named Sebastian Hilfiger, making him a father of five, including a blended family with Dee‘s children from her previous marriage.

Standing at around 169 cm (5 feet 6 inches), Tommy Hilfiger has balanced his personal and professional life, with family relationships playing a significant role. His marriage to Dee followed his earlier long-term relationship with Susan Cirona.

Net Worth

Tommy Hilfiger has an estimated net worth of $450 million. His wealth primarily comes from his fashion brand, Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, which he founded in 1985. The brand gained fame for its “preppy with a twist” style, significantly influencing fashion culture, especially during the 1990s when it was embraced by hip-hop artists and celebrities.

Although he sold a majority stake in the company in 1989, Hilfiger has remained actively involved in design and brand strategy. Various business ventures, including real estate investments, further bolstering his net worth.