Tommy Hilfiger officially launched his eponymous clothing brand in 1985.
The launch followed Hilfiger’s years as a retailer and freelance designer. In the early 1980s, he met textile businessman Mohan Murjani, who backed Hilfiger’s plan to create a men’s sportswear line. With that support, Hilfiger established the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation and introduced his first signature collection in 1985.
The initial range modernized familiar American preppy staples, including button-down shirts, chinos and other classic sportswear pieces. Its debut was supported by an unusually bold advertising campaign created with graphic designer George Lois. A Times Square billboard presented “TH” as the next major menswear name alongside the initials of established designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Perry Ellis.
The year 1985 refers to the launch of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, not the later public offering. The company went public in 1992, and women’s clothing followed in 1996. Those later milestones are why 1987, 1986 or 1984 can seem plausible, but none is the standard launch year.