Why Is It So Hard to Bid Farewell to Mr. Tom Ford's TOM FORD?
OPINION
Despite his emphasis on moving forward and pushing boundaries, why do we continue to look back at Tom Ford's career as a defining moment in fashion history?
5 MINS READ TIME
Words By Igee OkafoR
Photography by STEVEN KLEIN
Mr. Tom Ford is a visionary known for his luxurious and sensual aesthetic. He began his career at Gucci in the early 1990s, revitalizing the brand with his innovative designs and marketing campaigns. Mr. Ford's campaigns for Gucci, featuring provocative and controversial imagery, quickly became infamous in the industry, marking a new era in fashion advertising. His innovative designs rapidly became a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders alike.
Last November, Estee Lauder acquired the fashion arm of Tom Ford's business for $2.3 billion. It was still being determined whether he would continue leading the brand after the acquisition. However, the media alert released by the brand this week revealed Tom Ford's final collection: a reflective selection of re-editions from the past 13 years. Unlike his previous collections, this final showcase was not presented through a traditional runway show but through a series of three short videos created by photographer Steven Klein. The videos showcase Mr. Ford's favorite pieces from the past 13 years of his career, and these selected pieces will be reissued as part of the brand's Autumn/Winter 2023 archive collection.
This last collection for his eponymous brand could signify the end of an era for the fashion house, as it marks the conclusion of his creative vision for the label he founded in 2005. However, it is essential to note that Estee Lauder still owns the brand and may continue under a different creative direction. While it may not be the brand's end, it suggests a significant change in Tom Ford's leadership and creative influence over the label. Still, an official announcement regarding his retirement or future involvement with the brand has yet to be made.
As we consider Tom Ford's legacy in the fashion industry, what about his creative vision still captivates us today, especially within men’s fashion?
When he took over as creative director at Gucci in the mid-1990s, he transformed the brand's menswear offerings, infusing them with a previously lacking glamour, sensuality, and sophistication. Mr. Ford's work at Gucci also helped popularize the idea of dressing up for evening events. He created a range of formalwear options that were both luxurious and modern, including tuxedos with shawl collars and satin lapels.
One of Mr. Ford's most significant contributions to men's fashion was his reinvention of the classic suit. He elevated traditional menswear with his sleek, modern designs, featuring slim-fit silhouettes, narrow lapels, and bold colors. His designs quickly became a staple on red carpets, worn by celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, and Ryan Gosling.
His rejection of minimalism and focus on sensuality has been defining feature of his fashion designer work. It continues to be an influential perspective in contemporary fashion. While fashion trends and tastes may evolve, there are several ways in which we can continue to apply Tom Ford's philosophy to contemporary fashion.
In his own words, Mr. Ford has described his approach to menswear as one that celebrates "masculinity with a twist, and always with a sense of humor." He has also emphasized the importance of tailoring and fit, stating that "fit is the most important thing in clothing. If something doesn't fit, it doesn't flatter." His eponymous label quickly became known for its luxurious materials and impeccable craftsmanship, focusing on modern, slim-fit suits and evening wear. His Fall/Winter 2011 menswear show in London featured a collection lauded for its expert tailoring and refined use of color and texture.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ford has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of men's fashion and formalwear. His designs have been praised for their luxurious materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and modern sensibility. He has been particularly influential in men's accessories, creating iconic pieces like the TOM FORD Windsor knot tie, the TOM FORD cufflink, and the TOM FORD eyewear line.
In addition to his work in fashion, Mr. Ford has also made a name for himself in the film industry, directing critically acclaimed films such as A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals. His designs for A Single Man drew critical acclaim for their attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of 1960s fashion. At the same time, his Nocturnal Animals red carpet looks were praised for their bold, modern take on formalwear.
It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of different creative fields. Fashion, film, and other art forms all share a common goal of creative expression, and many artists have worked across various mediums throughout history. In Mr. Ford's case, his work in fashion has been characterized by a sense of daring and boldness, with sophisticated and sensual designs. This aesthetic carries over into his films, which are visually stunning and emotionally resonant, with a distinct and unique style all their own.
Despite criticism for his provocative marketing campaigns and use of fur in his collections, Ford's legacy in men's fashion and formalwear will continue to inspire future generations of designers. His contributions to men's fashion have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2008 and 2011.
In his own words, Ford has described his approach to fashion as one that celebrates "the beauty of things that are slightly off" and emphasizes the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries. He has also spoken about the significance of clothing in shaping one's identity, stating that "dressing well is a form of good manners."
Mr. Tom Ford's contributions to men's and formalwear have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Balancing the importance of Tom Ford's designs as iconic fashion moments with his message of personal empowerment requires an appreciation for both the impact of his work and the importance of individuality and self-expression. By finding this balance, we can continue to draw inspiration from his work while celebrating our unique style and creative expression.
