Lucas Fernandes, who is from near Sao Paulo, Brazil, had no idea he would end up in Elmira when he signed up for a foreign exchange program that brought him to Elmira High School.
When he arrived in Elmira wearing Tommy Hilfiger gear, Fernandes had no clue the city was the hometown of the global fashion icon.
For Hilfiger to pay a not so coincidental visit to the Elmira High boys soccer team's practice Wednesday, Oct. 14 — which was Fernandes' 18th birthday — was almost too much to fathom for Fernandes.
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Fernandes joined his Express coaches and teammates for a meet-and-greet with Hilfiger that was a welcome interruption to their practice at the high school.
"I got here, to the Tommy Hilfiger city," Fernandes said. "It's all luck for me, I think."
Tommy Hilfiger, accompanied by sister Betsy Hilfiger, arrived with Hilfiger T-shirts that were handed out to the Elmira players.
"It was awesome," Fernandes said. "When my host mom here told me, I couldn’t really believe he was coming here."
Fernandes said he was excited to show pictures and the T-shirt to his family back home. It was an addition to an ever-growing wardrobe of Hilfiger clothing for Fernandes, who pointed out the clothes are cheaper in the United States than they are in Brazil.
Hilfiger ties run deep for Express family members
There was an overall sense of appreciation from the entire Express team, along with some Hilfiger connections that were signs this particular group was the perfect one to meet with Hilfiger, who made his first visit to the renovated Thomas J. Hurley Athletic Complex at Elmira High School.
Express senior Carter Kirk mentioned to Hilfiger his grandfather, Jason Kirk, was a model for Hilfiger's People's Place clothing store in Elmira. Hilfiger recognized the name, laughed, and told Carter to tell his grandfather he said hello.
Elmira senior Dom Romeo had heard stories of his grandmother, Bernadette Romeo, babysitting Hilfiger when she was about age 16 at a time they were neighbors in Elmira. Tommy confirmed her stories Wednesday.
"I did not believe my grandma at first because she's such a big person in general," Romeo said. "I did not know they were neighbors. It's just insane.
"It's a wholesome moment, especially my senior year, the end of it on its way. It's great seeing Tommy in person."
Hilfiger, 75, provided advice for an Elmira team that includes 12 seniors who will head off to college or perhaps join the work force after graduation. The 1969 graduate of Elmira Free Academy shared with them that Elmira College offers a Tommy Hilfiger fashion business school.
"That's a good option because a lot of sports guys are into fashion, as you know," Hilfiger said.
When asked what college he attended, Hilfiger told the players he didn't go to college, adding his dyslexia was a barrier. He instead opened People's Place.
"So I started my business when I was 18 and I'm still doing it," Hilfiger said.
Elmira head coach Derek Hamilton and his wife, Denise, attended Elmira Free Academy with Betsy's son, Michael Fredo, in the 1990s.
"Hilfiger was huge back then and still is very popular around the world today," said Hamilton, who has some Hilfiger clothing in his closet. "Lucas arrived from his jet here wearing full Tommy, which is how we kind of made the connection."
'An amazing moment for all of us'
It was through a connection to Betsy Hilfiger with Michelle Augustine, the mother of Express player Chase Christian, that arrangements were made for Tommy to visit the team after they initially asked if Hilfiger could possibly send a shirt or say hello to celebrate Fernandes' birthday.
"Betsy says he's in town. What are the chances?" Hamilton said. "Next thing you know he offers to pop in, which is super generous of him. The kids got to meet him and it just turned into a great day for everybody, I think."
Hamilton said Hilfiger's "inspirational words" took on added impact with the high number of seniors on the roster, particularly given his status as someone local who has been extremely successful.
There is a strong connection to the sports world for Hilfiger and his family. He chatted with Elmira players about Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce collaborating with Hilfiger's brand and mentioned he would soon be going to watch LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers play.
This group of Express soccer players has been among the most successful in Elmira City School District history. Elmira will play for a third consecutive Section 4 Class AAA title against Ithaca at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Horseheads High School.
In the meantime, they can cherish an unforgettable get-together with a hometown hero.
"It was obviously an amazing moment for all of us," Romeo said. "We’re all so very thankful for Tommy as a whole, especially just coming out here in general. Seeing him in person is a whole different experience than seeing all of his clothing online."
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger pays visit to Elmira High boys soccer team