ROCKS, BOTOX AND BLING BAGS

Amy E Williams enters the super elite world of DEE OCLEPPO, aka Mrs Tommy Hilfiger

We step inside the super-eelitworld of Dee Ocleppo, aka Mrs oTmmy Hilfiger

It’s hard to know what the etiquette is when it comes to acknowledging an engagement ring of epic proportions. Is it OK to ask about the cut, the carats, the cost? Because when something the size of a brazil nut is continually catching the light in front of you, it is almost impossible not to mention. As such, Dee Ocleppo, aka Mrs Tommy Hilfiger, is pretty used to talking about the remarkable piece of jewellery she wears on her wedding finger.

‘When Tommy gave me this ring, my first thought was, “Oh my God, I cannot wear that every day!” Now it’s become a part of me,’ she says, attempting to gently twist it over her knuckle. ‘I mean, we had it fitted so tight that someone would have to chop off my hand to get at it.’ I have a go at guessing the size: ‘Five, six carats?’ I ask, feeling slightly uncouth and out of my diamond league. ‘A few,’ is the modest reply. (I later read that it is a whopping eight carats. And flawless.) ‘But you know what,’ she quickly continues, smiling broadly, ‘the ring is fantastic but the man is even better.’ Dee married fashion superstar Tommy eight years ago, and clearly it must still be love. ‘The man is ten times better than any ring – he absolutely is. And I get the best of both worlds – I get the cake and I get the frosting and the decorations, too.’

Unsurprisingly there is plenty of frosting in the Hilfigers’ world. I meet Dee, 50, at the New York City home she shares with Tommy, a vast duplex apartment at the top of The Plaza hotel, which directly overlooks Central Park. When I arrive at 9am tourists are stopping at the red-carpeted entrance steps to pose for photographs next to the doorman. There are also homes in Miami

Dee with husband Tommy Hilfiger and, left, in her home in New York’s Plaza hotel