The Burnouts with Phoebe & Sophia

How Tommy Hilfiger Manifested a $9 Billion Fashion Empire After Going Bankrupt!

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Sep 18, 2025
Tommy Hilfiger, a fashion designer and entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from a young dreamer to building a $9 billion global brand. He opens up about overcoming dyslexia, surviving bankruptcy, and his transformative billboard campaign that catapulted his brand to fame. Hilfiger discusses key collaborations with stars like Beyoncé and Zendaya, the impact of manifestation on his success, and how he views AI shaping fashion's future. He combines raw honesty with invaluable lessons on resilience, family, and creativity.
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ANECDOTE

From $150 To A Teen Retail Chain

  • Tommy Hilfiger bought 20 pairs of bell-bottoms with $150 and sold them in Elmira, launching People's Place at 18.
  • He expanded to college campuses and used the shop as a stepping stone toward his own brand.
ANECDOTE

The Controversial 'Four Great Designers' Billboard

  • Tommy hired ad genius George Lois who proposed a disruptive billboard naming "the four great American designers."
  • The ad provoked industry outrage and dramatically raised Tommy's profile.
ANECDOTE

Logo Rugby Shirt Goes Viral

  • Tommy created a big rugby shirt with a visible logo despite Bloomingdale's rejection of logos.
  • The shirt exploded in popularity after Snoop Dogg wore it on SNL and sales surged.
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