In 1984, Hilfiger made a comeback, launching the Tommy Hilfiger menswear label through a licensing agreement. The line was inspired by the preppy classics he grew up with, combined with a modern twist.

In 1985, he demonstrated his marketing skills by launching a bold ad campaign in which he classed himself among the four great American designers (alongside Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein). The ad, which featured on a billboard in Times Square, caused an immediate stir among New Yorkers and the industry.

In 1989, the licensing agreement was terminated and Hilfiger took control of his label with the help of two investors (including Hongkonger Silas Chou). He gained a following with his relaxed styles. American classics were given a twist with colourful trims, contrasting fabrics and his signature red, white and blue logo.

In 1992, his company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and in 1995 the Council of Fashion Designers of America voted Hilfiger its menswear designer of the year. Meanwhile, Hilfiger established the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation to promote education and career-related opportunities for children in the US.

During the 90s, Hilfiger's style was adopted by the hip-hop community, who were attracted by his urban yet preppy designs. His clothing has been lauded in song and worn by rappers including Snoop Dogg, Coolio, Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest.

His first womenswear collection was launched in 1996, featuring Oxford shirts, slim-fit knit polos and graphic striped dresses in bright colours.

Hilfiger has expanded, launching other collections, including Tommy Girl, Hilfiger Denim, H Hilfiger, Tommy Sport and Red Label. He's also branched out into children's wear, footwear, eyewear, watches, jewellery, leather goods, lingerie, golf, swimwear, home furnishings and toiletries.

His first fragrance, Tommy, appeared in 1995, followed by Tommy Girl in 1996, and a host of others.

His campaigns over the years have featured singers Beyonce, Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears, and David Bowie and his wife, Iman.

Last year was a big one for the designer. Tommy Hilfiger Corporation bought Karl Lagerfeld's label, Lagerfeld Gallery. As well, his reality show, The Cut, went to air, in which 16 contestants vie for a design job working with Hilfiger.

He also celebrated 20 years in the industry with large-scale shows in New York and Asia, showcasing more than 100 of his most popular designs, featuring seersucker, hip-hop-style baggy trousers, the red, white and blue logo and striped shirts.

Asian luxury goods retailer Dickson Concepts International, which owns Seibu department stores and Harvey Nichols, recently announced plans to buy Tommy Hilfiger Asia-Pacific from Dickson Concept's chairman, Dickson Poon.

Tommy Hilfiger plans to open 70 new stores in Asia by 2014 - located in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Malaysia. Hilfiger remains chairman and principal designer of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation.

The look?

For his autumn/winter 2006/07 collections, Hilfiger included preppy staples updated with modern fits and new proportions. Rich fabrics such as herringbone, hound's-tooth and tweed are combined with a warm, autumn palette of brown, green, cranberry and deep orange.

The feminine silhouette is accentuated for women and includes blazers, pencil skirts and wide-legged trousers.

For men, the look includes plenty of layers and a mix of textured fabrics, bold patterns and British-style tailoring.

Defining fashion moment?

Hilfiger's popularity was confirmed when rapper Snoop Dogg donned a red, white and blue Hilfiger rugby shirt on Saturday Night Live in 1994.

Who swears by it?

His celebrity clientele includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jodie Kidd, Jay-Z, Paris Hilton and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.

Where?

Tommy Hilfiger products can be found in free-standing boutiques as well as department stores, including Shop B19, basement, the Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 8848.