Tommy Hilfiger: ‘Sometimes I forget Tommy Hilfiger is my real name’

The designer, 69, on the joy of comfortable clothes, being starstruck by David Bowie and why he is an eternal optimist

I'm glad I started work at 18. It was a lot more fun than going to school. When I opened my first shop it was a hangout for all my friends - a community before social media. I didn't worry about the business side until I faced bankruptcy, five years later. That taught me a big lesson.

I really enjoy being a designer. It's a big creative outlet and it's exciting to grow a brand and be in the eye of the storm of pop culture.