Iconic American designer announces retirement through a final collection after being at the creative helm of his namesake brand for 13 years.
Known for bringing “sex” to the runway, Tom Ford’s tenure in the fashion industry is iconic. Known for spearheading the “sex sells” campaign during his time at Gucci, Ford remains one of the best designers that came out of America. Establishing his brand after his run at Gucci and Saint Laurent, he cemented his legacy in the fashion industry.
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With Ford running his eponymous brand for 13 years, he has created quite an archive for his designs. From launching iconic perfumes and having Michelle Obama wear his clothes, his namesake brand is as successful as he is. With his run in the fashion industry, some may ask what is next for his career—which an Instagram post made by his brand answered.
Good Run
On April 26, 2023, Ford announced his last collection for his brand. “TOM FORD, IN HIS FINAL COLLECTION FOR HIS EPONYMOUS BRAND, HAS TURNED TO HIS ARCHIVES AND REISSUED HIS FAVORITE LOOKS FROM THE PAST 13 YEARS,” the brand captioned. With such an announcement, many speculated that Ford would retire from his brand and the whole fashion industry.
TOM FORD ARCHIVE COLLECTION AUTUMN/WINTER 2023
— TOM FORD (@TOMFORD) April 27, 2023
TOM FORD, IN HIS FINAL COLLECTION FOR HIS EPONYMOUS BRAND, HAS TURNED TO HIS ARCHIVES AND REISSUED HIS FAVORITE LOOKS FROM THE PAST 13 YEARS.
PHOTOGRAPHER: STEVEN KLEIN
CREATIVE DIRECTION: KSTUDIO
STYLIST: CARINE ROITFELD#TOMFORD pic.twitter.com/80nj4PGXQt
Ford’s announcement came months after Estée Lauder bought the company last November 2022. It was reported that Estée Lauder approximately paid the namesake company $2.3 billion for sole ownership. It was reported that after the acquisition, Ford would remain at the creative helm of the company until the end of 2023, but it seems that a surprise early exit is about to happen this April.
Ford is known for leading a design house by heart. He creates masterful pieces due to the pathos that comes with every design. Leading through his heart, it is known in the industry that whenever his creativity is hindered by business transaction negotiations, he leaves. Though a painful loss for the fashion industry, Ford’s contribution to the late 90s to early 2000s fashion would always be iconic.
Banner photo via Instagram @tomford.
