NRF names Tommy Hilfiger as the winner of its The Visionary 2025 award

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has named American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger the recipient of its annual Visionary award. The founder of the eponymous brand will receive the award at the 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors on January 12, 2025, in New York City.

“With four decades of building a brand that has seamlessly blended classic American style with modern sensibilities, Tommy Hilfiger epitomizes the spirit of a successful retailer,” said Matthew Shay, CEO and president of the NRF, in a statement. “Since 1985, his visionary leadership and tireless commitment to excellence have established Tommy Hilfiger as one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of his iconic brand in 2025, NRF is honored to recognize Tommy as The Visionary 2025.”

Since making its debut in the industry back in 1985 through a billboard on Times Square, Timmy Hilfiger has grown exponentially, from a menswears brand into a fully-fledged internationally acclaimed brand with multiple product categories. Driven by a passion for redefining American style, the brand embraces sustainability and inclusivity, with Hilfiger still at the helm as principal designer under the PVH Corp umbrella.

“Being recognized by the National Retail Federation as the next Visionary is an incredible honor,” said Tommy Hilfiger in a statement. “As an ambitious, big-dreaming newcomer to the fashion scene in 1985, fueled by passion and conviction, I was embraced by the North American retail community, who took a chance on my vision. Their support was instrumental to my journey in becoming a leading American designer with global influence. Together, with the unwavering dedication of our global teams, we’ve built on that foundation and proudly reached the milestone of nearly four decades in business."

Previous Visionary award honorees include top executives from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe's, Target, Kohl's, Nike, Walmart, and Levi Strauss & Co. Hilfiger is also set to join Shay for a fireside chat on January 13 at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show.

Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors event has raised funds to promote retail as a career of opportunity while celebrating industry leaders and awarding undergraduate scholarships. The National Retail Federation spearheads the retail industry, supporting its people, policies, and brands while highlighting its significant economic contributions and role in creating millions of US jobs.