Following on from his own call for changes in the fashion industry and his company, Tommy Hilfiger backed up his words with a new initiative.

“What’s happening is not ok. We need action,” fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger said at the end of May in response to the Black Live Matter protests that were happening, and continue to happen, globally. They were firm words that until a few days ago were just that – words – but after a period of reflection and planning, the fashion giant has put his money and energy where his mouth is and introduced the world to his People’s Place Program.

The initiative is a three-pillared platform with an initial minimum commitment of $5 million in annual funding for the next three years, that will seek to advance the representation of black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) within the fashion and creative industries. Centering around partnerships, career access and industry leadership, the program seeks to achieve consistent, long-term change.

“What is happening to Black communities in the US and around the world has no place in our society,” Tommy Hilfiger said. “The fact that it has continued to exist in our industry – overtly and systemically – is unacceptable. We are far behind where we should be in achieving diverse representation. It shouldn’t have taken us this long to acknowledge that, but we are determined and committed to changing it going forward. We will be intentional, fearless and unwavering in the actions we take. Through the People’s Place Program, we will use our platform to create opportunities and stand up for what is right.”

The project takes its name from Hilfiger’s first store which he opened in Elmira, New York in 1969, aged 18-years-old. The People’s Place was created as a safe haven for people from all walks of life to come together to enjoy art, music, fashion and pop culture, and it looks like Hilfiger is now as invested as ever in shaping a more equal fashion ecosystem.

In other Tommy Hilfiger news, Tommy Jeans have just launched their new sustainable denim range so we teamed up with 30 of our favourite creatives to spread the word – check it here.