Tommy Hilfiger names finalists for New Legacy Challenge

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 16, 2022

PVH’s Tommy Hilfiger, in partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row, has announced the three finalists selected for its New Legacy Challenge, a design competition which aims to promote the next generation of Black designers. 

First launched in 2021, as part of Hilfiger’s People’s Place Program, designers were invited to apply for the challenge by sharing their take on modern preppy - a style that has always been central to the Tommy Hilfiger DNA. 

After a virtual design preview of the top 12 applicants, three finalists were chosen to advance to the final round. The finalists of the competition are Megan Smith, the founder of sustainable women’s brand Megan Renee; Johnathan Hayden, head of his namesake luxury brand; and Clarence Ruth, founder of denim label Cotte D’Armes.

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Next, each finalist, with guidance from a Tommy Hilfiger brand mentor, will reimagine six iconic preppy styles, including the hoodie, varsity jacket and polo shirt to be presented to a panel of judging members in March. 

The winner of the New Legacy Challenge will receive a grant of US$20,000 and the opportunity to co-design a capsule collection alongside the Tommy Hilfiger design team. The winner will be announced at an event, which will also premiere the documentary series New Legacy Challenge, directed by award-winning filmmaker Luchina Fisher, highlighting how each designer was inspired to take on the challenge.

Ahead of the final event in March, designers took the stage at Harlem's Fashion Row's 4th Annual Black History Month Summit on Tuesday to share their experience and journey with the New Legacy Challenge. 

“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. 

“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.”