Did you know that Tommy Hilfiger started his fashion empire in India, here's the story!

Before the red, white, and blue logo became a symbol of global cool, before varsity jackets and relaxed denim ruled the streets of New York, a young designer found himself in the heart of Mumbai - searching for inspiration, purpose, and a place to begin. That designer was none other than Tommy Hilfiger, and his fashion journey has threads woven deep into the fabric of India.

Over four decades ago, long before his name was etched onto billboards and boutiques around the world, Tommy Hilfiger found himself designing his very first collection in a modest factory in Santacruz, Mumbai. “That’s where my career truly began,” Hilfiger recalled during a fireside chat with Indian icons Manushi Chhillar and Sarah Jane Dias. “It was more than 40 years ago, and I’ve been coming back ever since.”
The moment wasn’t just about launching a collection, it was about planting the seed of a fashion empire in Indian soil. Surrounded by the energy of Mumbai, the rich textures, vibrant colours, and artisanal craftsmanship left a lasting imprint on Hilfiger’s sensibilities. From that point forward, India wasn’t just a manufacturing hub; it became a muse.
And the connection wasn’t only sartorial. “I’m a tandoori kind of guy,” Hilfiger quipped with a smile, referring to his enduring love for Indian cuisine. “But I wouldn’t say no to butter chicken either.” The man behind one of America’s most iconic fashion brands still finds comfort in the smoky spices of a good tandoori dish, example of the influence India continues to hold in his life.

In 1985, Hilfiger took a leap of faith and launched his namesake brand. But behind this global venture was a uniquely Indian connection, his first investor and collaborator was Indian-American businessman Mohan Murjani. “I was about to join Calvin Klein,” Hilfiger recalled. “But Mohan said, ‘Don’t do that. Let’s start Tommy Hilfiger together.’ So we did.”
What followed was a fashion revolution. Hilfiger’s debut line featured sporty, preppy, all-American pieces but with a twist. “I wanted my clothes to feel more relaxed and cool, rather than stiff and formal,” he explained. That vision gave rise to what he now calls the “casualisation of America.” It’s a style the world has come to love, timeless silhouettes with an ease and effortlessness that feel like home.

Today, the Tommy Hilfiger brand is worn by pop icons and presidents alike. But it’s the lesser-known story - of a young designer sketching patterns in a Santacruz factory, learning the rhythms of Indian craftsmanship, and falling for the flavours of Mumbai that reveals the brand’s true origin story.
Tommy Hilfiger’s journey is a reminder that fashion, like identity, is a blend of many influences and some of the most global dreams are stitched together right here in India.