Jan 24, 2004/ FW/ --- Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries, a division of The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL), and Tommy Hilfiger USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation (NYSE: TOM), announced today that they will team with music icon Beyoncé Knowles in a multi-year deal.

The agreement establishes Ms. Knowles, a best-selling recording artist and the lead singer of the group Destiny's Child, as the spokesperson for a new fragrance slated for a global launch in the fall. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Beyoncé is a true star," said Tommy Hilfiger, Honorary Chairman and Principal Designer of Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A., Inc. "Not only is she extremely talented and beautiful, but she is sophisticated, intelligent and charming. Her career is serious, professional and on the rise."

"In addition to being an internationally acclaimed musician, Beyoncé is truly one of the world's most admired women," said Fabrice Weber, President of Aramis and Designer Fragrances.

"She epitomizes the qualities that so many of our consumers aspire to - she's independent, sexy and true to herself, but her warmth and vulnerability also come through. That's a potent combination, whether you're talking about a music icon or marketing a fragrance."

"Beyoncé brings an exciting new spirit to our Company and particularly to the Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries franchise," said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies. "She has a universal appeal that will help take the Tommy Hilfiger fragrance business to the next level. We are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Beyoncé and look forward to collaborating with her for many years to come."

"Throughout my career, I have been lucky to work with the best in the business - first the music business and now the beauty business," said Beyoncé Knowles. "I love fragrance, so this new relationship with Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries is the fulfillment of one of my dreams. I can't wait to get started."

Since 1995, Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries has produced fragrances and body products under license that reflect the all-American lifestyle themes of designer Tommy Hilfiger.

It is part of The Aramis and Designer Fragrances division of The Estée Lauder Companies, which creates and markets fine and designer fragrances and skin care under the Aramis and Lab Series names.

The Estée Lauder Companies is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.