TOMMY HILFIGER JOINS “AMERICAN IDOL” AS IMAGE ADVISOR

Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger will perform as image advisor for American Idol's finalists beginning Thursday, March 15th on FOX. Hilfiger will mentor the contestants "to define their performance identities and help guide their style transformations as they fight for their chance to become the next" Idol, according to Fox.

“I am honored to be joining Ryan, Steven, Jennifer, Randy and Jimmy for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said Hilfiger. “My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young people who are dedicated to pursuing their dreams. Musicians can bring such a unique vision and personality to the stage. I admire risk takers who share my belief in the power of fashion to transform and influence, and I look forward to working with the artists to guide them in defining their performance style and identity.”

Hilfiger's classic, cool American style has been around for more than 25 years. From the beginning, says the designer, he has been inspired by music.

Hilfiger started his first business, People’s Place, at the age of 18, selling denim jeans and styling his brother’s band for local performances. Since then, he has worked with music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Hilfiger has won the following awards: Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (1995); Designer of the Year award from Parsons School of Design (1998); Designer of the Year in GQ’s annual “Men of the Year” issue (1998); GQ Germany’s International Designer of the Year award (2002); GQ Spain’s Designer of the Year (2006); Hispanic Federation’s Individual Achievement Award (2007); Bambi Award for the fashion category (2008); Women’s Wear Daily’s No. 1 Designer in its Annual “10” List (2008); UNESCO Support Award (2009).