The Art of Collecting Art According to Tommy Hilfiger

Paulijn van der Pot
You started collecting Art in the mid-80S, a thrilling era in cultural history which saw an exceptional cross-pollination Of music, fashion, and art. Having been a part Of this creative scene (Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, Madonna, Blondie, Grace Jones, The Rolling Stones) — you witnessed the birth Of hip-hop and the rise of graffiti-street culture. How has this marked your aesthetics and defined your passion for pop art?

Tommy Hilfiger
New York is such a melting pot of people, ideas, and cultures. The incredible people I met when I first moved there — including Andy Warhol — had a big impact on my fascination with pop culture. It started a lifelong passion for collecting pop art. My first art piece was a series of ten lithographs of Mick Jagger by Andy Warhol and signed by both men. That clash of scenes and creativity also shaped my brand. I am inspired by what I call F.A.M.E. — fashion. art, music, entertainment. Collaborating with a diverse mix Of pop culture icons and cool brands has been an important part of Our heritage ever since.

PP
When and where did you meet Warhol, Basquiat, and Haring?

TH
I first met Andy Warhol at the end of the 70s. We hung out in the mid-'80s at the iconic Studio 54 in New York City. I would see Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring there together with all kinds of rock stars, Hollywood actors, artists, and celebrities. It was a really fun time. Andy invited me to his Studio, The Factory, to See his art. The way he brought fashion to art, pop culture, and entertainment together really excited me. I remember asking him why he chose to do what he did, and he simply said, "Because I like it." That made a big impression on me and is something I continue to live by.

PP
In the early 90s, you were being criticized for the fact that you were the only fashion brand doing big logos on clothes. However, it turned out to be a Smart move, those logos acted as 'walking' billboards On the streets. Is it fair to say that you were inspired by artists like Warhol, Lichtenstein, Haring, and Hirst who all found ways to blend creativity with commercialism?

TH
These artists were visionaries who always set their own standards. They never asked for permission Or validation. They took the zeitgeist of the time and interpreted it in their own unique ways. They didn't follow trends — they set them. That attitude toward creativity and determination built my own confidence to follow my dreams. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve no matter what anyone else thought, and that has kept me focused for over 35 years. Fashion is all about reinvention and pushing boundaries while staying true to our brand spirit.

PP
As a fervent art-collectionneur, and a huge supporter of the Arts, can you explain Why art is relevant/important?

TH
Collecting contemporary and pop art is one of my favorite hobbies — you could even call it an obsession! It has the power to challenge and inspire. Art can capture a movement, a time, an emotion. The only limits are the imagination.

PP
Your art collection mostly centers On pop art and contemporary art and I've read that you like Street art and graffiti art; all these genres are characterized by their popular, democratic, activist nature, sensitive to social movements, and not rarely trying to convey a message. Does this preference reflect your personality?

TH
I've always loved pop art for the powerful messages that it can convey. An artwork that seems fun and irreverent on the surface can have a real effect on society. Right from the start, I wanted to create fashion that told bold stories. I wanted a brand with an inclusive spirit and democratic philosophy — fashion that everyone can wear. These founding principles have shaped the brand, from choosing partnerships that reflect Our values like Romeo Hunte and Indya Moore, to creating more inclusive product offerings and experiences.

PP
In MOCO Museum 60% Of the audience is under 30 years Old. What is your idea about youth and art? Do you think collaborations between important visual artists and fashion brands make art more accessible for the young?

TH
From a creative side, there's certainly a freshness of perspective and energy that young artists bring to their work. We've always chosen ambassadors and partners who share Our values and help to translate our positive stories for local audiences and cultures. I'm excited to see a whole new generation of emerging designers and artists who are disrupting the traditional fashion model with important messages, and we want to give them a platform to share their work.

PP
Your house is like a private art gallery. What is your motivation to collect art and how does it feel to be surrounded by art?

TH
I am constantly drawing inspiration and learning from everything and everyone around me — painters, musicians, writers, athletes, photographers — everyone with a perspective different than my own. So, I like to surround myself with art that is stimulating and fun. Luckily, my wife Dee and I share a passion for collecting art and designing interiors. We are always on the lookout for pieces that really speak to us in different ways, whether it's the message, the aesthetic impact, or the story behind the piece and the artist. Each room features at least one iconic piece of art that then determines the design Of that space. But it's important to us that anything we pick reflects who we are, and that our homes feel full of character, welcoming, and fun.

PP
Which artwork in your collection would you never sell?

TH
I would never sell my Damien Hirst 'Disintegration — The Crown of Life'. Mick Jagger gave it to me for Christmas in 2004.

PP
When you come home after a bad day, is there a specific artwork that gives you solace — like some people find comfort in a certain song?

TH
Family is everything to me so I get a lot of Comfort from the portraits Of my children I have up in my New York City office by famous American caricaturist Al Hirschfeld.

PP
As someone who is keyed into the art scene, are there any rising artists we should look out for and why?

TH
Nigerian painter and pattern maker Uzo Njoku and Ghanaian fine artist Annan Affotey. Keep an eye out for them.

PP
What is On your wish list?

TH
For me, the ultimate piece to own would be Jasper Johns's 'Flag'. Unfortunately, it's not for sale! It's on display at the MoMA and I love to go and see it in person when I'm in New York.