Hilfiger hires Armani exec

Tommy Hilfiger has hired a longtime Giorgio Armani executive to run the newly acquired Karl Lagerfeld business, according to The Post.

Rodney Hutton, a former merchandise with Giorgio Armani, joined Tommy Hilfiger last month as senior vice president and general merchandise manager for the Karl Lagerfeld division, sources said.

Tommy Hilfiger purchased the Karl Lagerfeld trademarks, including Lagerfeld Gallery, an upscale women's line, and Lagerfeld, a licensed men's wear line, in December, part of an attempt to expand beyond its namesake brand. Plans to grow the Lagerfeld business have not been finalized, people close to the company said yesterday.