Facts about Tom Ford the fashion Icon.
Facts You Didn’t Know About Tom Ford
If you’re at all interested in fashion, you’ve probably heard the name Tom Ford. As one of the most decorated designers of his generation, Tom Ford is certainly a household name.
However, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about him. So, here are 7 facts about Tom Ford that might surprise you.
9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Tom Ford
1. His education isn’t in fashion
Although not an uncommon occurrence in the design world, Tom Ford didn’t actually study fashion. He originally went to college for acting before studying art history at NYU. He dropped out a year later to focus on acting but then went back to college to study interior architecture.
He did this at Parsons The New School for Design in NYC. He studied fashion in his final year, but his degree is in architecture.
2. Working for Gucci
The most well-known fact about Tom Ford is that he worked for Gucci. He started working for the company in 1990 when it was struggling to secure its place in the market. Ford moved from New York to Milan for the job.
Within 6 months, he had moved from womenswear to designing menswear and shoes. By 1992, he was a design director, and by 1994, he became Creative Director for the whole company. Under his leadership, Gucci was transformed into a multi-billion-dollar company. By the time he left in 2004, it was valued at $10 billion.
3. Creative director of Ives Saint Laurent
What most people do not know is that Tom Ford was instrumental in the purchase of the iconic fashion brand Ives Saint Laurent while working with the Gucci group who later became Kering.
In 1999 the purchase was made and Tom Ford became the creative director. It has been said the fashion designer had an unfavorable relationship with Saint Laurent, even receiving a letter from the man himself which read “in thirteen minutes you’ve destroyed 40 years of my work” he would continue to hold the title of creative director of both Gucci and Saint Laurent until his departure in 2004.
4. He’s also a film director
Ford has directed two films. In 2009, he released A Single Man, which starred Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Firth was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the role; the film was also nominated for numerous awards.
In 2015, he directed Nocturnal Animals, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams. Both films were praised for their visual art and choice of cast, which isn’t too surprising considering they were directed by a fashion designer.
5. He’s won a lot of awards
Tom Ford has won more than 35 awards during his career. These include multiple style awards, best-dressed awards, and designer awards. We won awards for his time at Gucci and for his own fashion label.
6. Tom Ford the Brand
After his departure from Kering Tom Ford did not know if he would design fashion ever again. From the multiple year around collections from both Gucci and Saint Laurent this inevitably burned out the fashion designer and he actually thought about quitting.
But in 2005 the launch of Tom Ford the brand began with his cosmetics line which was an immediate success. That same year he would partner with the Marcolin Group to produce and distribute his eyewear collection of optical and sunglasses. He would go on to design mens luxury clothing and in 2010 he would launch the womens ready-to-wear collection.
7. There’s a Jay-Z song named after him
In 2013, Jay-Z released the song Tom Ford off his album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. It features guest vocals from Beyonce and was ranked as one of the best albums of the year. Justin Timberlake also mentioned Ford in his song Suit & Tie, released the same year. Unsurprisingly, Ford was flattered by both songs. After all, who wouldn’t be?
8. Agent 007
2008 it was confirmed that Mr. 007 James Bond would no longer wear Brioni Suits and instead the international Spy would be dressed in Tom Ford.
The Fashion designer was quoted saying, “it’s a terrific representation for us, a lot of people think if you wear conservative clothing your life is dull and uninteresting. But James Bond is this character who is sophisticated….” Over 420 pieces were created for the film for Daniel Craig and his stunt team.
9. The Red Carpet and Celebrities
The Fashion designer has always been a celebrity favorite when it comes to the red carpet but did you know Tom Ford will only dress one celebrity per award show and all other celebrities must purchase their outfits.
Also when it comes to celebrity endorsements and the brand. Tom Ford does not pay celebrities to dawn his luxury items and refuses to do so.
Tom Ford Eyewear
As stated before Among Ford’s numerous fashion branches is his eyewear. Eye Boutique Houston is an authorized dealer of Ford’s eyewear, so we’ve got you covered if you want a piece of this iconic fashion house.
Book an appointment with us today for your next eye exam. You can then choose from our range of designer labels including, of course, Tom Ford.
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