er self-image for people.The design of Tommy's clothing also makes people want to wear it by setting new style trends within our society. As an emerging company, the challenge of creating a name for yourself can be enormous in a market already run by major companies and full of consumers who would rather follow the current trend and wait for someone else to start a new one. With his dominance in the fashion market, Tommy is able to create new ways of dressing, and people now know that if it says Tommy, it will be a safe purchase and they will be seen as fashionable as long as the shirt is part of their wardrobe. Unfortunately, there are always those who want to undermine the success of others. In late 1998 and early 1999, rumors were spread about racist comments that Hilfiger supposedly made regarding Asians and African-Americans on two different talkshows. Later, the rumors were proven to be completely false after interviews with the hosts of the two talkshows found they had never even met Hilfiger. (USA Today, 28 Feb 1999) The rumors were intended to end the popularity of the clothing among these groups which comprised a substantial part of Tommy's consumer base. Tommy's Hilfiger Inc's press statement clearly denied this, "The facts are simple and incontrovertible, Tommy Hilfiger did not make the alleged inappropriate racial comments, whether these rumors are part of a misunderstanding or a deliberate act of malice, they have no basis in fact." (USA Today, 28 Feb 1999) The rumors not only led to false beliefs about Hilfiger himself, but if left unanswered would have ultimately led to his downfall as a businessman. Implying that Hilfiger did not feel his clothing looked good on a certain group goes against all of what his line stands for, American Ideals. Freedom, equality, and a chance for all to succeed regardless of race or ethnic background is what most people in this country are proud of. This shared belief leads to the ...
