Our History

Legacy

The Hilton family has outfitted American men since 1888. The likes of John F. Kennedy, George Bush (the elder), Frank Sinatra and Wynton Marsalis have worn suits and jackets with a Hilton label. The family tradition, using fabrics of natural fibers, subtly colored and softly finished, tailored with natural, unpadded construction, lives on in the Hilton name and in the NH 1888 Collection.

Nick Hilton

Nick Hilton has a lifetime of experience in the apparel field, beginning with his work during high school summers as a shipping clerk in his great-grandfather’s clothing factory. After graduating from Bard College in 1970, he lived and worked in Florence, Italy for an Italian trouser maker, developing a command of the language and a familiarity with the European modus operandi of apparel production. After stints at English knitwear brand John Smedley and Burberry of London, Nick became president of his family’s company in 1980, taking charge of the Norman Hilton collection, the premier traditional menswear brand.

Present Offerings

In 1990, Nick created his first complete collection for men, the Nick Hilton Collection, with products ranging from traditional tailored clothing to shirts and ties, casual and dress trousers, knitwear and outerwear. Nick’s latest offering is the NH 1888 label, referring to the history and tradition of his family’s name in the American menswear field. The Nick Hilton retail store in Princeton opened in 2001, followed by the Fair Haven location in 2007. We are also pleased to announce our new online store, coming in Spring 2009.