We were lucky to catch up with Dee Hilfiger recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

I would have to say Covid was one of the most unexpected and difficult issues that we faced in my businesses. fortunatley we were able to pivot and learned a lot of important lessons along the way

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a former model, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger has been in the fashion industry since the age of 16. She now co-owns and is creative director for the heritage brand judith Leiber as well as heading her own brand, Dee Ocleppo.
She grew up in Rhode Island,then went on to study communications at Southern Methodist University. She married Tommy Hilfiger in December of 2008 and curently lives in Palm Beach, Florida with their 14 year old son , Sebastian.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission has and remains always to give our consumer what she wants. In my case, that means, comfort and sophisticated style at the best price possible.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to express, and inspire others through imagination.
Our Judith Leiber novelty bags are very unexpected and are always conversation starters.
With Dee Ocleppo, i have been fortunate enough to create my own brand with its own unique styling, messaging , marketing and soon stores.
It is incredibly satisfying to create something from an abstract idea in your head into something palpable and concrete.

Contact Info:

• Website: deeocleppo.com judithleiber.com
• Instagram: @deeocleppo @mrshilfiger

Image Credits
All images Tatijan Shoan except black and white