Hilfiger, Tommy (1951- )

US fashion designer. Aiming for popular appeal, he launched his signature clothing label in 1984. His collection features an all-American, clean-cut casual look and simple designs at affordable prices. By the end of the 1980s he had become a major US fashion icon.

He initially designed casual clothing for men, but expanded the company to include men's suits, women's wear, children's wear, shoes, fragrances, eyeglasses, and home furnishings.

At the age of 18 he launched his own store, the People's Place, in his hometown of Elmira, in upstate New York. After the store went bankrupt, he began designing clothing and later moved to New York City to start his own label.