Designer Quote by Tommy Hilfiger
“I don't think generally speaking, there are a lot of innovators and inventors. Many of the designers take what exists already and update it or make it relevant for today. But true inventors have never been seen before. Bill Gates is a real inventor. I don't think fashion designers invent anything new. They innovate new ways to make fashion.”
About This Quote
The speaker distinguishes between incremental design updates and groundbreaking invention, asserting that true inventors create entirely new concepts, while most designers merely adapt existing ideas.
In simple terms: Innovation vs. invention
True invention is rare
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Product development
- Fashion industry
- Technology startups
- R&D teams
- Creative workshops
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Identify gaps for novel solutions
- Encourage cross‑disciplinary brainstorming
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria define a 'true' inventor?
- How can designers foster more original creation?
Many breakthroughs emerge from recombining existing ideas, blurring the line between innovation and invention.