Blanche’s Book Club: ‘American Dreamer.’

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I am buzzing through my summer stack of books and getting all sorts of surprises while reading them. How’s your summer reading going?

Earlier this month, I decided to read “American Dreamer” by Tommy Hilfiger. I’ve had this book on my shelf for at least five years; I can’t even remember when or where I purchased it.

I know why I bought it; I have always loved fashion magazines and have read a few fashion-related memoirs.

However, my knowledge about Tommy Hilfiger — the person and the brand — was limited before reading this. I’d never owned any Tommy Hilfiger clothing and only knew about Hilfiger’s daughter, Ally, from her short stint on reality TV (which I loved).

So, I started the book with an open mind… and I completely fell in love.

Where has Tommy Hilfiger — the person and the brand — been all my life?!

In college, I worked at Abercrombie & Fitch, and also the kid’s store, abercrombie, and I thought that was the genius, all-American brand.

I loved the cottage-look of the store, the way the denim was displayed, the juxtaposition of chunky sweaters and buttery-soft tank tops, and the simple beauty of the models in the iconic black and white photos.

But, of course, now we all know about the inner-workings of A&F, as a brand, led by a toxic founder. Even at the time, I knew “the crombie” was problematic — the pay was low, and the clothes were cheaply made (but had high price tags).

And likely, the brand was ripping off Hilfiger, and other designers of American fashion staples.

Imagine how, as I read each page of this book, I came to learn about someone who came up with these ideas from his own experiences and influences (one of which being music, ah, a man after my heart)!

Hilfiger came from humble beginnings and, without realizing it, he admired style and fashion from a young age.

“In one of the greatest surprises of my teenage years, I found out that I could actually buy a varsity jacket: made of wool melton, with leather sleeves, stripes on the cuffs, snaps down the front, and leather piping on the pockets. The epitome of authentic high school cool. I thought I could walk down the street in a varsity jacket and people might really think I was on the team. They were in short supply, and I was lucky enough to get one. I still have it.” – American Dreamer

I, too, love a varsity jacket 🙂

The book moves from Hilfiger’s time working in retail, to how he opened his first retail shop (selling clothing and products from other people) and eventually, starting his own brand many years later.

He talks a lot about the foundation of his style and brand, which is solid after overcoming many challenges finding the right manufacturers and partners.

“This is one of my core beliefs: No one is an inventor in the fashion business. No one creates the pant, no one creates the shirt or the sweater or the jacket. Designers re-create fashion. We take something that exists and make it newer. It is the re-creators, the ones who do it really well, who are the moneymakers.” – American Dreamer

Hilfiger also shares the unique ways he grew his brand, including sponsoring tours, including Britney Spears’! She wore his designs on tour and in some of her music videos. And, who can forget that iconic photo of Aliyah wearing the Tommy tube top and baggy denim?

After I finished reading this book, I looked up some of the old Hilfiger ad campaigns (the book has some nice pictures, too) and they’re everything I’d hoped: soft flannels and stiff jackets, shiny shoes and tousled hair, preppy plaids and ski gear.

I know, I sound like a dork, but I just can’t believe I went my whole life without seeing it all and connecting the dots. But you know what? I’m glad I discovered it now.

I’ve since purchased some Hilfiger pieces (thrifted them, of course) but I’ll share those in another post!

I’d love to know if you’ve read this, or what fashion designer really fits your style most?

For more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Goodreads @thebitterlemon – where I share more of my book picks. Also, check out my printable bookmarks and Book Club Journal Pages in my Etsy Shop.