Designers you should know: Tom Ford

Who in here loves structured suits? *Raises hand* What about American traditions with a twist? *waving hand* Well then I introduce to you Tom Ford.

 "And he’d rather people didn’t “Tom” him anymore. At 49, he lets it be known he prefers “Mr. Ford.” -Sarah Mower (Article w/ Vogue)

Tom Ford is an American designer that knows what us "commercial" (so we've been told) Americans love! His speciality is structured mens suits. He also is a movie director, owning a film production company called "FADE TO BLACK". 

Click for early life and some of his work.




Before Tom Ford, was Tom Ford he got his first big break with Cathy Hardwick who wasn't going to hire him. He called consistently and she finally let him in for an interview. During the interview she asked him "Who are you favorite desginers" he said "Armani and Chanel". She asked him why did he ask that and he said "Because you were wearing something Armani".  After working for her he worked for Perry Ellis but moved and went to European Fashion.

The renovating of Gucci during the 90's was due to Tom Ford's coming in and changing everything up. When he came it was worth 4.3 billion, he left Gucci with it being worth 10 billion. Do you get the picture?

Gucci during the 90's 

Gucci bought YSL and he became Creative Director of the brand as well. That's when he started to win Council of Fashion Designers of America awards. Which are very big in the fashion world. He made YSL fragrances more popular with his racy ads.

By 2004 he was over the European scene for a while and by 2005 he created his brand Tom Ford. Every man went crazy for a Tom Ford suit. He pays close attention to details and gives classic pieces his own trademark.  He doesn't approve of releasing pictures for everyone to see but I screen snapshot some of his mens collection from his website.

Recently he just started back up a womens collection and had a private show where he asked influential women to come in and walk with his clothes. the guest list was extremely exclusive and only on photographer (the icky Terry Richardson) was able to shoot. Well, the pictures have since released and I'm excited to see the entire collection.

His marketing strategy worked because as soon as they released everyone was blogging about it. I got giddy because I seen sequins and ponyhair (both something to be giddy about).


Over all Tom Ford is an amazing designer. The one thing that drew me to him immediately was his attention to males before females which is not so common in the fashion industry. He is going in my icons list.