Updated: October 24, 2026
Tommy Hilfiger has built one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands on classic American style with a modern edge. Behind the scenes of that empire stands his wife of nearly 18 years, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger—a designer, entrepreneur, and mother who has carved out her own impressive career while helping create a tight-knit blended family of seven. Their story feels less like a celebrity fairytale and more like a genuine partnership rooted in shared values, creativity, and real life.
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From Monte Carlo to St. Tropez: How Dee and Tommy Met
Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger was born Deniz Caroline Erbuğ on November 24, 1966, in Ohio to a Turkish radiologist father and British microbiologist mother. She modeled, worked in finance, and later married Italian tennis player Gianni Ocleppo in 1997. The couple settled in Monte Carlo and had two sons, Julian and Alex, before divorcing in 2003.
In the summer of 2005, while vacationing with her boys in St. Tropez, Dee met Tommy through mutual friends at a beach club. What began as friendship quickly deepened. Both were parents of children on the autism spectrum, and that common ground created an instant connection. After a long-distance romance and a star-studded engagement party in New York attended by figures like Anna Wintour, they married on December 12, 2008. Their only child together, Sebastian Thomas Hilfiger, arrived in 2009.
A Blended Family of Seven
Tommy and Dee have built a large, close family that includes children from previous marriages:
- Tommy’s four children with first wife Susie Cirona (married 1980–2000): Ally, Richard (known as Ricky Hil), Elizabeth, and Kathleen
- Dee’s two sons from her first marriage: Julian and Alex Ocleppo
- Their shared son: Sebastian
Several of the children have autism, something the couple has spoken about openly and that continues to shape their philanthropy. They emphasize respect, humor, and not taking life too seriously as keys to making the blended household work. The family divides time between homes, including their well-known Palm Beach residence.
Dee’s Own Creative Path
Dee is far more than “Tommy Hilfiger’s wife.” She launched her namesake luxury handbag line, later became co-owner and creative director of the iconic Judith Leiber brand, and has developed homeware under Mrs. H. She has also appeared in the Amazon docuseries The CEO Club. Tommy has publicly praised their collaborative dynamic, noting they bounce ideas off each other without competition. In recent interviews he has said respect and a sense of humor keep their marriage strong after nearly two decades.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger (née Deniz Caroline Erbuğ) |
| Born | November 24, 1966 (age 59) |
| Marriage to Tommy | December 12, 2008 |
| Children Together | Sebastian Thomas Hilfiger (b. 2009) |
| Previous Marriage | Gianni Ocleppo (1997–2003); two sons |
| Professional Roles | Fashion designer, Judith Leiber creative director & co-owner, entrepreneur |
| Family Size | Blended family of 7 children |
Style, Home, and Shared Vision
The couple shares a love of design that extends beyond clothing into interiors. Their Palm Beach home has been featured extensively, reflecting a mix of color, art, and personal history. They support autism-related causes through organizations such as Autism Speaks and remain active on the social and fashion circuit while keeping family life relatively private.
In a world that often reduces partners of famous designers to supporting roles, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger stands out as a full creative force in her own right. She and Tommy have shown that a successful modern marriage can include big careers, a complex blended family, and genuine mutual respect.
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Tommy and Dee’s story continues to evolve with quiet confidence—proof that style, substance, and partnership can age remarkably well together.