Tommy Hilfiger, the iconic American fashion designer, has built a global empire synonymous with classic American cool. Beyond his influential career, Hilfiger's personal life, particularly his romantic journey, has seen significant chapters, marked by two enduring marriages that have shaped his adult life. His relationships, while often kept private, offer glimpses into the man behind the brand, revealing a commitment to family and partnership.
His romantic history publicly began with Susie Hilfiger, born Susie Carona, whom he met in 1976. Their connection blossomed, leading to marriage in 1980. This union marked a significant period in Hilfiger's life, unfolding as he was establishing his burgeoning fashion career. The couple shared two decades together, navigating the early successes and challenges of his professional ascent.
During their 20-year marriage, Tommy and Susie Hilfiger welcomed four children: Ally, Richard, Eliza, and one other child. Their family life was largely kept out of the intense media spotlight, though their presence together was a consistent part of Hilfiger's public persona. The couple's journey together coincided with the rapid growth of the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, which he founded in 1985.
However, after two decades, their marriage concluded with a divorce in 2000. While the specifics of their separation remained private, reports described it as a "painful divorce," indicating the emotional toll of the split. Despite the end of their marriage, they continued to co-parent their children, maintaining a respectful relationship for the sake of their family.
Following his divorce, Hilfiger's romantic life saw a period of privacy, with brief, less publicized relationships, such as those with socialite Annabelle Bond and paralegal Elizabeth Somerby, which were described as casual and short-lived. These relationships did not lead to long-term commitments, as Hilfiger eventually found a new, profound connection.
His next significant chapter began in the summer of 2005, when he met Dee Ocleppo, a former model and entrepreneur, in Saint Tropez. Dee, whose maiden name was Deniz Caroline Erbuğ, was previously married to Italian tennis player Gianni Ocleppo and had two sons, Alex and Julian, from that marriage. Their initial meeting evolved into a deep friendship before blossoming into a romantic relationship.
Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo's relationship quickly became serious, culminating in their marriage in 2008. Their wedding marked the beginning of a new blended family, as Hilfiger's four children from his previous marriage and Ocleppo's two sons came together. The couple often speaks of the challenges and joys of blending their families, working to create a cohesive and supportive environment for all their children.
In 2009, Tommy and Dee welcomed their only child together, a son named Sebastian. Sebastian's birth further solidified their bond and expanded their family. Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger has since become a notable figure in her own right, launching her luxury accessory label, Dee Ocleppo, and often appearing alongside her husband at fashion events and public engagements.
The Hilfigers are known for their relatively private lifestyle despite their public profiles. They often spend time between their homes in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Palm Beach, Florida, and are actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly concerning autism, as their son Sebastian is on the autism spectrum. > "Every year, we become more of a family," Dee stated, highlighting their commitment to their blended family's unity.
Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and shared interests, including a passion for art and a desire for a balanced family life. Tommy Hilfiger's romantic journey, from his foundational marriage with Susie to his enduring partnership with Dee Ocleppo, reflects a life lived in the public eye but grounded in personal connections and family values. His love story, spanning decades, continues to evolve, showcasing a designer who values stability and deep companionship in his personal world.