One can not speak of high fashion without the mention of Tom Ford. His vision and creativity have transformed houses like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent not only with his creativity but with his innate business intuition. In two short years, 1994-1996, as Creative Director for Gucci, sales increased by 90%. A huge feat under any circumstances but larger then life considering they were almost bankrupt. When Ford left Gucci Group in 2004 they were valued at 10 billion! Creative without business leaves one with ideas and sketches and business without creative is not fashion at all! It takes the marriage of both to have a fashion house with staying power, and Tom Ford is a master.
What is even more intriguing is Tom Ford’s career since leaving Gucci. The launch in 2005 of his own label, his namesake, Tom Ford. Each season I am so drawn to his ad campaigns and I look forward to them. They are provocative, edgy, emotional, and most importantly different, while somehow maintaining the essence of Tom Ford. You can always spot a Tom Ford ad in a glance. Each season they take on a larger then life role in the media because they are so unexpected and unconventional. Tom Ford is a man with a unique vision who has the courage to stand by it. He always goes with his intuition, and that I believe, is what has made him so successful turning his creativity into business.
One can gain tons of insight through these very ad campaigns, here are a few of my favorites over the years.
To a fabulous closet,
