Tommy Hilfiger: Reflecting on 40 Years of Style and the Role of India in the Brand’s Origins

Tommy Hilfiger celebrates 40 years of redefining fashion, acknowledging India’s key role in its journey. In 1985, Indian-American entrepreneur Mohan Murjani encouraged Hilfiger to create his brand, starting with a collection produced in Mumbai. Initially a menswear label, it expanded to include women’s fashion and officially entered India in the 2000s via a partnership with Arvind Fashions. Now with 95 stores across 38 cities, Hilfiger credits this partnership for the brand's growth, highlighting India’s enduring significance in its legacy.

This year marks a significant milestone for the iconic fashion label Tommy Hilfiger, as it celebrates four decades of redefining casual, preppy fashion. During a visit to India to commemorate the occasion, the brand’s founder, Tommy Hilfiger himself, shared insights into the brand’s humble beginnings and the pivotal role India played in its journey to becoming a global lifestyle powerhouse.

Hilfiger recounted the early days of the brand, emphasizing the instrumental role of Indian-American entrepreneur Mohan Murjani. “When I first crossed paths with Murjani in 1985, I was on the verge of joining Calvin Klein,” Hilfiger explained. “But Murjani had other plans. He convinced me to forgo that opportunity and instead focus on building the Tommy Hilfiger brand. That decision changed everything.” 

The first Tommy Hilfiger collection came to life in a modest factory located in the Mumbai suburb of Santacruz. For Hilfiger, the vision was clear from the start: to design clothing that reflected his personal style—relaxed, sporty, and quintessentially American. “I wanted to create casual, preppy clothing that felt cool and comfortable, rather than formal and stiff,” he noted. “This was during the early days of a global shift toward more casual dressing, and our designs resonated with that cultural movement.” 

What began as a menswear label soon evolved, with the addition of women’s fashion a decade later. The brand's evolution mirrored its growing popularity and its ability to adapt to changing fashion sensibilities. 

While India was part of the brand’s story in its formative years, the label officially entered the Indian market in the early 2000s through a collaboration with Arvind Fashions, a Gujarat-based textile powerhouse. According to the company’s 2023-24 annual report, Tommy Hilfiger now boasts 95 stores across 38 cities in India, with products ranging from ₹1,999 to ₹18,999. 

Hilfiger expressed deep appreciation for the partnership with Arvind Fashions, calling it a cornerstone of the brand’s success in India. “Our collaboration with Arvind has been phenomenal,” he said. “I first visited their operations around 35 years ago and was immediately impressed by their capabilities. Together, we’ve built a thriving business here.” 

Arvind Fashions, which also manages other international labels like Calvin Klein, US Polo Assn., Arrow, and Flying Machine, has played a critical role in Tommy Hilfiger’s growth in the region. 

As the brand reflects on its 40-year journey, it’s clear that India holds a special place in its history. From its very first collection to its expansive presence in the Indian market today, the country continues to be an integral part of Tommy Hilfiger’s legacy.