Tom Ford

Tom Ford seems to effortlessly transcend the gap between being an established designer and that of a relative newcomer. You could categorise him with the old guard like, Armani, Valentino, Cavalli and Lagerfeld simply because he is such an established name and has had success within groups and independently. However you can also bunch him together with the likes of Stella McCartney, Luella, Giles Deacon, Marc Jacobs and DSquared, because in reality, he’s not that old and hasn’t been in the business for decades either.
Tom Ford sits in a rare place within the design industry for just this reason. He demands respect because of his success, his designs are timeless and classic and yet he’s as quick to push the boundaries as any other young aspiring designer trying to make a name for themselves.

For proof of his success you can look to the time he was Creative Director at Gucci in the Nineties. At the time Gucci was a big name, however it was virtually bankrupt and didn’t have the youth vote at all. Enter Ford. He injected a fresh optimism and pizzazz into the Italian design house and as a result made a name for himself and seduced an entire generation to Gucci’s charms. Remember the velvet slim line hipsters and the skinny satin shirts loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and her contemporaries? Tom Ford helped Gucci become the A-Lister’s label of choice.

In 2004 Ford left Gucci and started his own label. His previous success enabled him to hit the ground running and within very little time ‘Tom Ford’ became an established, sought after label. From his accessories range to his menswear and sunglasses collection, every piece screams style and panache. The most recent offering from Tom Ford is a ‘Made to Measure’ service for men’s dress shoes. Dress shoes are traditionally conservative and there is little choice between styles. Again, step forward Mr Ford. This inspired collection will offer no less than 18 different styles and will be made to the exact foot size specification. Once again Tom Ford stamps his mark in the world of fashion and shows both the dinosaurs and the young pretenders just who’s really boss.

Many celebrities are fans of Tom Ford’s designs, including Brad Pitt. This spring saw the actor dressed head to toe in Tom Ford, from his sunglasses to his shoes at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Pictured wearing a pale pink ‘Spencer’ suit with an open neck white shirt, Brad Pitt looked dashing and modern, accessorising with a pair of the very latest Tom Ford aviator sunglasses and a grey cashmere scarf. Brad Pitt rarely pus a foot wrong when it comes to fashion and by wearing Tom Ford when he’s under the glare of the camera lense, Pitt ensures he remains fashion’s darling and every women’s fantasy.

You may not have the status or cash to rival Brad but you can certainly give him a run for his money in the sunglasses stakes. Tom Ford sunglasses are incredibly stylish and also the choice of eyewear for another ladies man, James Bond! Ford’s sophisticated range of shades is ultra modern whilst also remaining slightly retro and classic. The aviator is a must in every man’s summer wardrobe and Tom Ford delivers, with varying styles of aviator shades within his men’s collection.