Tom Ford is a well-known fashion designer who has made a name for himself in the luxury fashion industry. His rise to fame started when he joined Gucci, one of the most iconic Italian fashion houses.
But, how did Tom Ford end up at Gucci? Let’s take a closer look.
The Early Years
Tom Ford was born in Austin, Texas in 1961. He went to school in Santa Fe and later attended Parsons School of Design in New York. After graduating from Parsons, he started working as an intern with the famous American designer Cathy Hardwick.
In 1988, Tom Ford moved to Milan and worked as an assistant designer for Gucci. At that time, Gucci was not doing well financially and was on the verge of bankruptcy.
The Gucci Revolution
In 1990, Maurizio Gucci hired Tom Ford as the brand’s chief women’s ready-to-wear designer. At that time, Gucci’s image was outdated and unappealing to younger customers. However, Tom Ford had a different vision for the brand.
He brought in a new aesthetic that was sexy, daring and provocative. He introduced bold colors, low-cut blouses and tight-fitting pants that were unlike anything seen before at Gucci.
The Influence of Tom Ford’s Designs
The impact of Tom Ford’s designs on Gucci was immediate and immense. Within a few years of his appointment, sales at Gucci had skyrocketed by nearly 90%. Celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow were seen wearing his clothes on red carpets around the world.
Tom Ford also expanded the brand into other areas such as fragrances and accessories which helped diversify their revenue streams.
The Rise to Fashion Icon
By the mid-1990s, Tom Ford’s designs had become synonymous with sex appeal and glamour. His runway shows were the hottest tickets in town and his designs were being copied by other fashion houses.
In 1999, Tom Ford was promoted to creative director of Gucci Group, which gave him control over other brands under the group, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.
The Legacy of Tom Ford at Gucci
Tom Ford’s time at Gucci transformed the brand from a struggling fashion house to a global powerhouse. His designs helped re-establish Gucci as a luxury brand that was relevant to younger customers.
He left Gucci in 2004 to start his own eponymous brand, but his influence on the fashion world is still felt today. He is regarded as one of the most influential designers of our time and continues to inspire new generations of fashion designers.
Conclusion
Tom Ford’s journey to becoming one of the most influential designers in the world started with an internship with Cathy Hardwick in New York. He then moved to Milan and worked for Gucci where he revolutionized the brand with his daring and sexy designs.
His impact on Gucci was immediate and immense, transforming it from a struggling fashion house into a global powerhouse. Today, Tom Ford’s legacy at Gucci is still felt around the world, making him one of the most influential figures in fashion history.