Imagine stepping into the opulent world of American fashion icons, where style meets serenity in a beachfront paradise—now, that's exactly what fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee are sharing in their exclusive tour of their Palm Beach mansion. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't just any luxurious home; it's a symbol of their blended lives, packed with stories from past renovations and future dreams. Dive in to discover how they turned a historic gem into a personal haven, and you might just question what true wealth really means in today's world.
When we talk about legendary figures in American fashion, the Hilfiger name instantly evokes elegance, durability, and undeniable charisma. Today, nestled in the prestigious Palm Beach community in Florida—famous for its pastel-colored estates hugging the shoreline—Tommy and Dee Hilfiger graciously welcome us into their meticulously renovated Coral House on the elite Billionaires' Row. This intimate interview and photo session with HELLO! magazine offers a rare glimpse behind the doors of their stunning residence.
The duo, who tied the knot back in December 2008, both harbor a deep enthusiasm for creative endeavors. Tommy, now 74, is the visionary behind his namesake international brand that's become a staple in wardrobes worldwide. Dee, 58, a former model, runs her own homeware collection called Mrs H, and serves as the creative director and co-owner of the high-end handbag label Judith Leiber, which has collaborated with stars like Katy Perry and the Kardashian-Jenner sisters. Their paths crossed in 2005 at a beach club in St. Tropez, France, introduced by a shared acquaintance. At the time, Dee was busy raising her two sons in Monte Carlo, Monaco, while Tommy was vacationing in the South of France. What began as a friendly connection evolved into a romance that spanned continents, culminating in their marriage just three years later.
Together, they've built a loving family of seven children: Tommy brought four from his prior union, including his daughter Ally, who gained fame on the MTV reality show Rich Girls. Dee contributed her sons Julian and Alex from her first marriage to the Italian tennis professional Gianni Ocleppo. And from their union came Sebastian, their 16-year-old son.
Their adventures have unfolded across an array of breathtaking locations, from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the idyllic island of Mustique, and from the countryside of Connecticut to the vibrant city of Miami. Now, they're opening up their world through their latest publication, Hilfiger Homes.
"Dee and I have envisioned, constructed, and inhabited numerous residences throughout our years together. Each property marks a significant milestone in our shared story," Tommy explains warmly. "We chose to document seven of these homes in a visual memoir to share with others."
Their journey into home decor kicked off even before their wedding, with the creation of a lavish duplex at the iconic Plaza Hotel on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. "That endeavor was pure joy for us," Dee recalls with a smile. It sparked a passion for transformations that led them to embark on more projects.
After juggling time between their various abodes, the Hilfigers decided to streamline by selling several properties, embracing Palm Beach as a fresh start. A thorough hunt ended with acquiring Coral House in 2021.
Originally constructed in 1972 by the acclaimed architect John Volk, and previously owned by the British-Canadian media tycoon Conrad Black, Tommy calls it their most challenging renovation yet, spanning three full years to perfection.
Today, the estate boasts exterior walls of coral stone, graceful arched windows, and panoramic vistas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one flank and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Even more remarkably, it features a secret underground passageway leading straight to the beach—a feature that adds an element of adventure worthy of a spy novel. Indoors, Tommy's classic American aesthetic shines through, enhanced by masterpieces from artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
"Our goal was a space that's peaceful yet bursting with personality," Dee shares. "It's where you can glam up for an event or slip off your shoes for cozy family downtime."
Coral House has become their primary base, and Dee hopes it remains so. "I'm in no rush to pack up and relocate anytime soon!"
And this is the part most people miss: the personal touches that make a mansion feel truly lived-in. Let's explore what captivated them about this coastal retreat.
You've resided in such spectacular spots—what aspects of Coral House appealed to you most?
Dee: "We previously owned a property in Golden Beach, Miami, but I always considered Connecticut my true home base; that's where our son Sebastian grew up. After letting go of our places in Connecticut and Miami, during our search in Palm Beach, I aimed to blend the best of both worlds.
"Our Miami home featured a stunning beachfront, and finding an oceanfront property with a pool in Palm Beach was tricky because pools are typically placed at the back." But here's where it gets controversial: balancing luxury with environmental rules, like protecting wildlife, isn't always glamorous—does prioritizing sea turtles over evening illuminations change how we view opulent living?
Tommy: "We learned fast about local quirks, such as avoiding night lights on the water to safeguard sea turtles, making the area quite dark after sunset."
Dee: "I compiled a wishlist and checked items off one by one. Eventually, we landed on Coral House, with its ideal layout and surroundings, and began customizing it to reflect our personalities—a work in progress still today!"
How do you approach interior design? Is there a standout room or element in the house?
Dee: "Our Coral Bar stands out as a beloved and frequently enjoyed space, adorned with coral-hued lacquered walls and bamboo accents. Sebastian's room also turned out beautifully.
"Each home we acquire captures a distinct phase of our existence, mirrored in its ambiance. Our design methodology adapts to the property's architecture, setting, and our current life stage... We've collaborated with interior designer Cindy Rinfret on 18 projects, including our Connecticut and Aspen homes, relying on her for bespoke creations and guidance."
Tommy: "There are countless distinctive details, like our separate guest powder rooms for men and women, each with walls covered in intricate crushed seashell mosaics.
"Those shell panels were crafted by a local Palm Beach artisan in her studio and installed on-site."
Tell us about your book, Hilfiger Homes...
Dee: "Hilfiger Homes offers readers an insider's view into seven distinctively styled homes, ranging from a Mustique estate to our newest treasure, Coral House. People might assume our spaces are all red, white, and blue everywhere, but that's far from the truth—barring Tommy's office!
"While many home decor books focus on a single aesthetic, ours showcases a variety, complete with candid family snapshots of our life in each place, even including our boat Flag, which doubled as our floating summer retreat. The book feels deeply intimate, chronicling our shared path."
"Collaborating on the book was an enriching journey, encapsulating our two decades as a couple."
Do you ever disagree on home designs?
Tommy: "We avoid conflicts. Perhaps years of cohabitation have aligned our preferences, simplifying the process without disputes. Our properties all boast a daring flair, merging vintage architectural features with collected artifacts, art, and our individual vibes."
Dee: "I have full confidence in Tommy's instincts, in fashion and interiors alike. He's always at the cutting edge of trends and brings that innovation to our home setups."
What's the key to a thriving marriage?
Dee: "Mutual respect is essential, alongside a good sense of humor. Love is the foundation, of course. We rarely butt heads, and shared tastes certainly help!"
Describe an ideal day in Palm Beach for you.
Dee: "We savor the sunny Florida weather. Tommy and I might stroll the Lake Trail in Palm Beach, wander the shore, play some tennis, or cycle. It's wonderfully restorative. We also enjoy outdoor dining on Worth Avenue."
Dee, with your diverse cultural roots, does that shape your designs?
Dee: "Exposure to varied cultures and environments broadens your perspective. My dad's Turkish heritage and my mom's English roots from Birmingham influenced my upbringing, making me feel unique in my small Ohio town during the 1960s, when multiculturalism wasn't as prevalent.
"In design, diverse experiences enrich your creativity, fueling the ideas brewing in your mind."
Your residence is alive with colorful art—how do you build your collection?
Dee: "Over time, we've amassed an eclectic assortment: buying, selling, and acquiring anew. Our methods vary—auctions, private dealers, art fairs."
Tommy: "We purchased our Picasso piece, Mousquetaire aux Oiseaux from 1972, a year before moving in, envisioning it perfectly in our living room. One of my cherished items is a neon portrait of me by artist Shyglo, gifted by Dee, displayed in my study."
Dee: "Andy Warhol's Flowers from 1964 brighten our upper loggia. It's an exciting hobby, and fortunately, we usually align on choices... though not always. The one exception was Tommy's acquisition of a Warhol fright mask, now in our entryway at Coral House.
"Initially, it unnerved me—I questioned staring at it daily—but he persuaded me to give it a chance. Now, it's grown on me, and I've developed a fondness. You form bonds with these works over time."
How do you foster family bonds?
Tommy: "Family is what transforms a house into a home."
Dee: "Mealtimes are sacred for us. I'm strict about banning phones—though they occasionally sneak in—so we can unwind, converse, and truly connect without interruptions."
You entertain guests like Tom Ford—any hosting advice?
Tommy: "Energized vibes, killer music, and fantastic company!"
Dee: "The guests make or break it—curate a balanced mix. Preparation is key; we even dedicated a room in the new house for showcasing dinnerware.
"I cherish my fine china and silver, including Palm Beach essentials like mother-of-pearl-handled utensils, plus pieces from my Mrs H line.
"As a bit of a cleanliness enthusiast, I prefer guests to remove shoes indoors, given our light rugs, but we make exceptions for parties!"
Both of you are involved in charitable work—what causes matter most to you?
Dee: "Among us, we have three children with special needs on the autism spectrum. This shared experience united us early on and fuels our advocacy.
"Tommy serves on the board of Next for Autism, a nonprofit supporting families as their children transition out of childhood programs into adulthood, when standard coverage often ends. It guides them through that next phase." And this is the part most people miss: how philanthropy ties into personal life—does raising awareness about autism challenge societal views on disability and success?
What excites you most ahead, and might you collaborate again?
Tommy: "Definitely! The book project was a highlight. We're eager for its release, unveiling something deeply personal that sums up our 20 years."
Dee: "It's profoundly intimate, and we're thrilled to share it. I'm gearing up for an upcoming Amazon TV series, Club CEO, spotlighting multifaceted female entrepreneurs.
"Featuring trailblazers like Serena Williams and Winnie Harlow, it explores their triumphs and trials in business and life. Keep an eye out!"
In wrapping up, isn't it fascinating how the Hilfigers blend high fashion with heartfelt family life? But here's where it gets controversial: in a world obsessed with excess, does their emphasis on art, philanthropy, and simple joys like family dinners challenge the notion that wealth equals opulence without purpose? What do you think—does their lifestyle inspire you to rethink your own home and values? Agree or disagree in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take!
