Tommy Hilfiger’s ‘People’s Place’ Program and Harlem’s Fashion Row teamed up on the New Legacy Challenge to create increased access to mentorship and resources for emerging Black designers.

Tommy Hilfiger announces the New Legacy Challenge, a design competition developed through its People’s Place Program in partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row. The partnership launched in 2021 with the goal to promote the upcoming generation of Black designers through a platform dedicated to amplifying their talent and vision. In September 2021, designers were invited to apply to the New Legacy Challenge and share their interpretation of contemporary prep – a style that has always been at the heart of TOMMY HILFIGER’s DNA. Through an exploration of preppy culture, the challenge also aims to highlight the history of Black communities and how that shaped the much-loved classic American cool style. The winner of the New Legacy Challenge will receive a grant for US$20,000 and the opportunity to co-design a capsule collection alongside the Tommy Hilfiger design team. 

“When we launched the People’s Place Program, we recognized career support and industry access as essential areas where we needed to put more resources and opportunities in place for emerging BIPOC creatives,” said Randy Cousin, SVP, Product Concepts and People’s Place Program, Tommy Hilfiger. “Our partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row to champion young Black designers in fashion is fundamental to that goal. The New Legacy Challenge brought creative leaders from both organizations together to mentor some exceptional up-and-coming designers and support them in taking their ideas from concept to creation. We are thrilled to see the finalists take their skills and genius to the next level, and we look forward to sharing their talent with the world in a meaningful way.” 

“Tommy Hilfiger’s People’s Place Program offers a dynamic opportunity for talented designers of color, who have long been side-lined in the fashion industry,” said Brandice Daniel, CEO & Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row and ICON 360. “We are proud partners of this program because it promotes true foundational change. The partnership is also our way of amplifying the voices of the next generation of black designers.”

Following a virtual design showcase with the top 12 applicants, three finalists were chosen to move on to the last round. Each finalist, with the guidance of a Tommy Hilfiger mentor, will reimagine six iconic prep styles including the hoodie, the spring varsity jacket and the polo. The designers will present their final collections to a panel of jury members in March, which will be followed by an exclusive event to announce and celebrate the winning designer. The event will also include a premiere of the New Legacy Challenge docu-series, directed by award-winning filmmaker Luchina Fisher, that will take the audience behind the scenes and share an inside look at how each designer was inspired to approach the challenge.   

The finalists are:

Megan Smith: Founder of Megan Renee, a sustainable women’s contemporary brand that draws inspiration from her travels as well as the strength and beauty of all women, with bold prints and wearable staples as the signature look. Megan is mentored by Masha Gard, Senior Design Director Womenswear, Tommy Hilfiger Global.
Johnathan Hayden: His namesake brand balances his interaction/UX design background with a mixed cultural identity to create versatile luxury separates for women. Johnathan is mentored by Ben Snowdon, Vice President of Design Menswear, Tommy Hilfiger Global.
Clarence Ruth: His label, Cotte D’Armes, explores denim from a fresh vantage point with an all denim-based collection of bottoms, tops and outerwear while fusing military with a hint of streetwear and biker chic. Clarence is mentored by Urs Graber, Senior Design Director, Tommy Jeans.

In advance of the final event taking place in March, the designers will take the stage at Harlem’s Fashion Row’s 4thannual Black History Month Summit on February 15th to share their experience and journey with the New Legacy Challenge. PVH Corp. is also supporting the summit as a premium sponsor. 

Click HERE to view the New Legacy Challenge docu-series trailer:

Visit https://global.tommy.com/en_int/collection/detail/tommy_x_hfr to learn more about the New Legacy Challenge.

Friends and followers of the brands are invited to join the conversation on social media using #TommyHilfiger and @TommyHilfiger. 

The People’s Place Program contributes to Tommy Hilfiger’s mission to create fashion that “Wastes Nothing and Welcomes All” – which puts inclusion at the heart of everything we do internally and externally. For more information about Tommy Hilfiger’s social and environmental sustainability journey visit sustainability.tommy.com.