Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger introduced his initial line of men's sportswear in 1984. His clothing became popular almost instantly, and his company has grown into a business with revenues of more than $1.8 billion. Today the Hilfiger brand encompasses clothing for men, women and children, as well as eyewear, shoes, fragrances, bicycles, linens, watches, cosmetics and luggage. In 2005, Hilfiger had a reality show on CBS called The Cut. It featured sixteen contestants competing for a designing job, much like Donald Trump's The Apprentice.

Tommy Hilfiger's honors include being named Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1995 and Designer of the Year by Parsons School of Design in 1998. His company is the official sponsor of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and Major League Lacrosse, supplying uniforms for both sports. He is a frequent sponsor of music events and tours by such artists as the Rolling Stones, Jewel, Britney Spears and Lenny Kravitz.

The company has not been without controversy. In 2000, the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation settled a class action suit by workers in Saipan in the Mariana Islands alleging poor working conditions. There was also a persistent urban legend that Hilfiger made racist comments to Oprah Winfrey, but Winfrey says they've never met.

Hilfiger's designs are generally considered to be 'preppy' in style, featuring clean lines and clear colors. Retail prices for women's tanks, tees and polo shirts generally range between $30 and $80. Retail prices for men's jeans are between $50 and $85.