Tommy Hilfiger started career making hippie gear

(CBS News) The name Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with American style. And now the man behind the brand is receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers.

But did you know the designer known for his preppy looks actually began by designing hippie gear?

Hilfiger recalled on "CBS This Morning" that he and his buddies went into the fashion business in the 1960s because they couldn't find bell bottoms in their small town of Elmira, N.Y.

"Everybody had long hair and wore bell bottoms. I wanted to be part of that scene," Hilfiger said. "...We opened a store while we were in high school and it became very successful. We opened many shops."

For more with Hilfiger on how his style emerged as a leader in world fashion, watch the video in the player above.