With no training or education in fashion design, Tommy Hilfiger defied his parents’ dreams of a career in engineering to pursue a career in fashion. At just 19-years-old, he opened his own chain-clothing store, The People’s Place, but by the time he was 25 the store went bankrupt. After moving to New York City, he turned down work offers to be a design assistant with Calvin Klein and Perry Ellis. In 1984, Hilfiger founded the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation with support from businessman Mohan Murjani. His menswear line caught the eye of the fickle fashion world, and he was international within three years. In 1995, Hilfiger was awarded Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and showcased his first women’s collection a year later.
while giving it an update The designs provide basics, such as button-downs, blazers and khaki pants, worn by many college students for their first interviews or post graduation jobs.
tommy hilfiger
Like Ralph Lauren, Hilfiger designs with the traditional and timeless American style in mind
donna karan
Donna Karan who has been working in the fashion industry for more than 50 years. Karan began her life in fashion at Parsons School of Design, but left after two years to work with American designer Anne Klein, where she would eventually become the
Images from Associated Press: tommy hilfiger photos, seth wenig and louis lanzano; vera wang photos, seth wenig, louis lanzano, and richard drew; ralph luaren photos, richard drew; donna karan photos, evan agostini and richard drew.
head of design. After working there for 20 years, she left to start her own women’s clothing company, the Donna Karan label. She gained fame for her “Essentials” line, which offered seven pieces that can be mixed and matched to any fashionista’s taste (You can blame – or adore – Karan for leggings; they were part of this collection in 1985.) In 1988, Karan created a second line for younger women, DKNY, and followed a few years with a menswear collection. DKNY has a fresh, urban vibe, while Donna Karan New York embodies an ageless modernism. All of her collections reflect the different types of people in America, ranging from urban and modern to classic and ageless. With brighter colors, edgier cuts and unexpected embellishments, the designs give a twist to the basics. spring 61