“They’re just letting us be ourselves”: On set with Mondo Duplantis and Desiré Inglander, the newest members of the Tommy Hilfiger family

On an unusually warm autumn day in central Stockholm, Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis and Desiré Inglander are walking hand-in-hand down a dirt path beside a still-as-glass lake. Completing the idyllic scene is the superstar couple’s effortlessly excellent looks: Duplantis wears a navy blue varsity jacket and relaxed beige trousers whilst Inglander layers a gold-buttoned navy polo dress over a crisp button-down shirt. What appears to be a moment of calm reflection actually marks yet another exciting moment: a photo shoot to welcome the couple to the Tommy Hilfiger family for Fall 2024.

As photographer Linus Morals snaps away, Duplantis and Inglander interact playfully, the love shared between them instantly palpable. It’s the same endearing romance that was on view for the whole world to see after Duplantis snatched pole-vaulting gold for Sweden at the Olympics and immediately ran to kiss Inglander in the stands. Since then, their stars have only risen, with Duplantis beating his own world record yet again and Inglander, a Swedish influencer and model, catapulting into It girl status. Joining the Tommy Hilfiger family for Fall 2024 alongside the likes of Patrick Schwarzenegger, Abby Champion, Stray Kids, Romee Strijd and Madelyn Cline feels like a fitting culmination of this thrilling moment in their lives.

When the couple breaks for lunch, I ask them what’s been the highlight of the shoot so far. Inglander answers without hesitation: “The clothes!” she grins, adding, “They’re just letting us be ourselves, talk to each other and have fun.” Duplantis agrees, noting that he and Inglander got to weigh in on their looks, which only adds to the authenticity of the campaign. “That always makes you feel so much better – if you feel comfortable and really vibe with what you’re wearing,” he says (it certainly doesn’t hurt that the stylist was Vogue Scandinavia fashion director Robert Rydberg).

To say that Tommy Hilfiger suits the couple is an understatement. Not only do they look the part (worth noting: Duplantis is half-American), the preppy ease of the brand ideally fits their relaxed, down-to-earth nature. This is especially true of the Fall 2024 collection, which favours classic American sportswear silhouettes – think polos, luxurious camel coats and vast cut chinos accessorised with caps and big, cosy scarves. “It’s chill but classy,” says Inglander. “It suits our style,” adds Duplantis. In fact, both he and Inglander took a handful of pieces home with them from set.

Though modelling is primarily Inglander’s domain, Duplantis is quickly getting the hang of it. “I’m more comfortable now,” he says. “And it’s easier if I’m alongside Des. She can shine.”