Fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger Has an Inspiring Message for Southern Tier Students

If you wore Tommy Hilfiger in high school, as I did, you might be surprised to learn the designer grew up in Elmira, in New York’s Southern Tier. I didn’t learn about his Elmira roots until a limo ride in Albany introduced me to his nephew.

Remember 90s Pop Singer Michael Fredo? He’s Tommy Hilfiger’s Nephew

In 1999, Michael Fredo released a song called “This Time Around,” and the Albany radio station where I worked brought him to town to perform. I was assigned to escort him to the venue, and I’ll admit I was intimidated. He was a fashion model and pop singer who had toured with Britney Spears. I was, well, just me.

We hit it off right away. During the ride, Michael told me he had walked the runway for Tommy Hilfiger, then told me Tommy was his uncle. Michael had grown up in Elmira, too.  The Christian Science Monitor profiled him in 2000, reporting that he started singing in a church choir in Elmira, left at 16 to attend the Professional Children’s School in New York City, and toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

I wish you could have been in that limo with us. Despite his famous uncle and impressive career, Michael was so down to earth and easy to talk to that I forgot I’d been nervous.

A Brazilian Exchange Student Discovers Tommy Hilfiger’s Elmira Roots

An exchange student from Brazil got a surprise lesson in Elmira history after high school staff noticed his Tommy Hilfiger clothes. Lucas Fernandez learned that the designer behind the brand he loves grew up in Elmira, a discovery that surprised and excited him, according to the Elmira City School District.

That hometown connection led to a visit from Tommy Hilfiger and his sister Betsy, who met with the Elmira High School varsity boys soccer team.  They talked with the players about their futures, goals, and opportunities. The district said the visit showed students “the path from Elmira can lead anywhere.” I love that Tommy Hilfiger could share that message from experience. He grew up in Elmira, and his career has taken him around the world.

Elmira’s People’s Place Was Tommy Hilfiger’s First Store

Tommy Hilfiger’s fashion story began in a tiny two-unit house on Laurel Street, according to WETM’s special report on his hometown. He was the son of a jeweler and a nurse and attended Elmira Free Academy.

On December 1, 1969, Hilfiger and two friends opened People’s Place in downtown Elmira. They started with $150, rented a 5,000-square-foot space for $50 a month, and bought 20 pairs of bell-bottom jeans in New York City. They later opened more stores in nearby college towns.

WETM also reports that Hilfiger has continued giving back to the Twin Tiers. He helped build the Ernie Davis Community Center and has supported efforts to fight Lyme disease, breast cancer, and MS.

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Elmira College’s Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School Builds on Hometown Roots

Tommy Hilfiger’s connection to Elmira also reaches into the classroom. In 2021, Elmira College announced the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School as part of its business administration degree, created in partnership with Tommy, his sister Betsy, and his brother Andy.

READ MORE: Elmira’s Eldridge Park Has Dragon-Themed Paddle Boats You Can Ride

Mountain Home magazine reports that Tommy helped fund the program with a $100,000 donation. Betsy and Andy pitched the idea to the college in 2019. Students study the business side of fashion, including marketing and merchandising.

Students who complete the program can also apply to the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Global Fashion Management master’s program in New York City. Elmira College established that path through a partnership with FIT.