I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to build some kind of lifestyle brand that was preppy and cool.
These are optimistic pieces, travel pieces that go anywhere.
Over the last 15 years we’ve developed our brand into a global brand and we wanted our giving to follow suit.
Algebra looked like Chinese characters to me, and I could never get into reading Shakespeare. I just did not get it.
I currently live in the Plaza in New York and I love it – all that history, all those interesting stories.
I had no confidence at school. I was not a good student and I really thought I was pretty stupid. Just dumb.
If it weren’t for rock’n’roll, I wouldn’t be a designer.
We like to believe our fashion is growing.
The preppy lifestyle has gone global. We feel that our business has grown so well because preppy travels so well. It’s all-American classic.
My mother was kind and forgiving and would take in all the waifs and strays in our neighbourhood; we always compared her to Mother Teresa. She taught me a lot.
If I see someone wearing Hilfiger it makes me proud, but then I wonder what I could do to make the style more relevant for them next year?
I’ve never tried to do couture, because it’s a whole different beast.
My mother inspired me to treat others as I would want to be treated regardless of age, race or financial status.
I was looking at people like Jim Morrison and David Bowie and Mick Jagger and I thought, Ah! I want to look like them.
I disapprove of lots of decisions made by George Bush: the war, the meddling in the affairs of other countries, the conversations with dictators; it was a dark time.
I thought, if I went into business I’d be able to control my own destiny.
Good sportsmanship means treating others with respect. I consider myself a pretty good sport.
Women were wearing the men’s button-downs so I added men’s touches into women’s shirts. They’re basically the same – just sexier. They’re reshaped to the female body.
Winning a trophy is always nice, but my personal satisfaction comes from reflecting on the passion, motivation, and determination that went into getting me there.
I saw my future. I pictured it, but didn’t quite know how to get there. But I knew that I should never give up.