If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you might be familiar with the iconic luxury brands Tom Ford and Gucci. But have you ever wondered if there’s any connection between the two? Is Tom Ford owned by Gucci?
After a successful stint as a creative director at Gucci from 1994 to 2004, Tom Ford launched his eponymous brand in 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after fashion labels in the world, known for its high-end clothing, accessories, and fragrances.
However, the relationship between Tom Ford and Gucci goes beyond just professional collaboration. In fact, Gucci Group (now Kering) acquired a significant stake in Tom Ford’s brand when it was launched.
Tom Ford’s Relationship with Gucci
Before we dive into the specifics of ownership, let’s take a quick look at how Tom Ford became associated with Gucci in the first place.
In 1990, Gucci was struggling financially and its image had taken a hit due to poor management decisions. That’s when they hired Dawn Mello as their new creative director. Mello brought on board an unknown designer named Tom Ford as her assistant.
Together, they turned around Gucci’s fortunes by introducing sexy and daring designs that were unlike anything seen before in the fashion industry. In just a few years, Gucci went from being on the brink of bankruptcy to becoming one of the hottest luxury brands on the planet.
When Mello left Gucci in 1994, Tom Ford was appointed as her successor. Over the next decade, he continued to push boundaries with his designs and cemented his status as one of fashion’s biggest icons.
Did Gucci Own Tom Ford?
Now that we’ve established their professional relationship let’s address if there is an ownership link between them.
When Tom Ford launched his own brand in 2005, it was initially backed by the Estée Lauder Companies. However, in 2007, Gucci Group (now Kering) acquired a 50% stake in Tom Ford’s brand for an estimated $100 million.
This move allowed Gucci to expand its portfolio beyond its own brand and diversify into other luxury markets. It also gave Tom Ford access to Gucci’s extensive resources and expertise in the fashion industry.
However, it’s worth noting that Tom Ford’s brand operates independently from Gucci and has its own distinct identity. In fact, Tom Ford himself has stated that he has no interest in returning to Gucci as its creative director or working for any other fashion house.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while Tom Ford is not owned by Gucci outright, there is a significant link between the two brands. Gucci Group (now Kering) owns 50% of Tom Ford’s brand, which allows both companies to benefit from each other’s expertise and resources.
But ultimately, Tom Ford remains his own entity with his own unique vision and aesthetic. Whether you’re a fan of his eponymous label or his work at Gucci, there’s no denying that Tom Ford is one of the most influential figures in fashion today.