Is he a photographer or a director? Is he a designer? Is he an actor but wasn’t he studying to be an architect? Who is he? Well, trying to know Tom Ford can be quite a task. But falling in love with his brands is effortless. Here’s a look at the man, his life and some of his latest eyewear styles.
For those of us who just love those stunning visuals of Kiera Knightley and Scarlett Johannson among the many others that this man has dressed over the years, Tom Ford is as close to God as one can get in the fashion world. Blessed with creativity and a personality that ensured that he is loved and adored by one and all, Tom Ford has achieved, in a rather short time, what other brands may have taken forever.
The Initial Years
Having spent his early years including a large chunk of his childhood as a regular young boy to simple parents, Tom Ford completed his schooling as well as graduation in Santa Fe, Mexico and moved to New York in 1979. By this time, his interest in design was growing strongly. Tom Ford had enrolled into the architectural program at Parson’s school of design but instead opted to study fashion designing. During the last phase of this program, he also had his very first chance to work as an intern in the offices of Chloe. Though his work profile at Chloe was restricted to that of a mere assistant responsible for sending clothes to photo shoots, Tom was beginning to see the glamour of fashion world.
Young Tom was now hungry for more and keen to get a job in one of the coveted fashion houses of America. Initially, luck was proving to be a hard-to-please mistress until one day he landed a job as the assistant to designer Cathy Hardwick. After working in America for the first few years, Tom soon realised that he wanted to be a part of the European fashion circuit and work for the more ‘style conscious’ crowd. This led to the grand shift and Tom moved to Milan to take up a job with the prestigious fashion label of Gucci.
Moving To The European Fashion Circuit
In 1994, Tom Ford took over from Dawn Mello as the creative director. His meteoric rise had all the elements of a Hollywood movie which included critical acclaim, big profits, struggle and appreciation. In fact, it was his bold designs, eye for detail and innovative way of working that turned the fortunes for Gucci. By 1999, Gucci was worth $4.3 billion (£2.2), making it one of the largest and most profitable luxury brands in the world. Tom Ford continued his march towards glory with Gucci’s acquisition of Yves Saint Laurent.
In 2003, holding company Pinault-Printemps-Redoute bought a controlling stake of the Gucci group and this led to the designer’s intent to leave over conflict surrounding creative control. Ford confirmed his departure, leaving at the end of his contract the following year.
Soon after that, he started his very own fashion label and so the Tom Ford that rules our hearts today was born in 2004. He continues to be the front face of the brand constantly churning out newer and more impressive designs that continue to bedazzle the global fashion circuit.
Establishing The Fashion Label
With the establishment of the Tom Ford fashion label, he had a new found zest steering him ahead. In the very first year of its establishment, Tom Ford tied up with Estee Lauder announcing the launch of an entire range of cosmetics and perfumes. Later that year in 2005, there was a similar deal with the Marcolin Group and so the Tom Ford brand entered the fashionable eyewear segment. His return to designing happened a year later in 2006 when he announced his partnership with Ermenegildo Zegna to produce luxury menswear, accessories as well as footwear.
During this phase, the Tom Ford style was fast becoming a bold statement that received a mix of criticism and appreciation. But, he was taking it all in his stride and racing ahead. He set up the first Tom Ford flagship store in Manhattan in 2007, followed by a series of openings in other cities as well taking the awesomeness of fashion to a greater audience.
The Fame Continues
In 2009, Tom wowed many with his directorial debut in the form of the critically acclaimed movie – A Single Man. He also produced the movie and co-wrote the screenplay. The movie was appreciated amidst reputed forums and film critics as well as showcased at several film festivals. By that time, several popular celebrities from all over the globe had worn the Tom Ford designs taking his fashion label to soaring heights of success. Ford’s clientele had grown from a select few to include several celebrities like the Daniel Craig, Beyonce Knowles, Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow amidst others.
The Irresistible Tom Ford Eyewear
The brand’s overall design philosophy of elegant and sexy simplicity is evident in his eyewear styles too. His eyewear collections bring statement-making, directional design to the face and his meticulous detailing is one of the biggest highlights. High luxury and comfort levels make his pieces so lovely that one just wouldn’t want to take them off.
The Travel Series : Tom Ford FW19 Eyewear
Travel season has officially begun, and no getaway would be complete without a pair of classic sunglasses, courtesy of Tom Ford’s latest FW19 Eyewear Collection.The collection illustrates a combination of vintage-inspired, pilot-style and classic rounded silhouettes with a modern and trendy colour palette, perfect for your summer escape. Mirroring the brand’s sophisticated yet daring identity, these statement frames are designed for both men and women and lend a modern yet rebellious flair to any ensemble. A pair fromTom Ford’s dynamic collection is an ideal choice for those who love to travel through the summer blaze in style.
FT0715 – Sandrine
A cat-eye model with the iconic symbol of infinity on the front, characterised by a metal frame that supports.
FT0728 – Antibes
A precious pilot style in two colour variations—silver and rose gold, enriched with over 300 hand-set crystals on the front profiles and on the thin metal temples.
FT0736-Sebastian-02
A geometric ‘90s pilot style with a branded metal plate in the upper part of the front, and the iconic ‘T’ logo on the front.
FT0740-Charlie-02
An iconic cat-eye mask style with the symbol of infinity on the front, characterised by a metal frame that supports the lens, the metal ‘T’ logo on the front and the acetate temples.
