Thomas Jacob the principal designer at Tommy Hilfiger, feels 'Made in America' is very important. He says he would love to make everything in America if he could find the factories but they don't exist in America. And it's his duty to bring the consumer the best product at very best price.
More than 40 per cent of clothing shipped to the US is made in China and seven of the top 10 importers are in Asia. The apparel and footwear industry is of the view that making more of its products in the US would push up prices.
‘Controversy’ is Jacob’s middle name. Earlier this year, models for his brand wore white bandanas around their wrists to protest The US President’s immigration ban, however, he had also criticised designers who were against creating outfits for Melania Trump. He felt they can dress the first lady and Ivanka Trump without getting delving into politics about it.
Hilfiger's brand, owned by PVH Corp, has had to cope with the industry's shift to e-commerce. Relying on social-media influencers and other online channels is key to staying relevant, he said. One has to reach consumers in many different ways. If people aren't with the program now, catching up is going to be very difficult.
