Fashion Designer Tom Ford has had an impressive career. His achievements have stemmed from nothing but sheer determination and personal ambition. A hunger to succeed teamed with an unwavering love of what he does has saw him progress through the ranks with the long standing Gucci label. His own label was born from a desire to have something all of his own, testament to his hard work and talent. On leaving Gucci Ford launched his own line of menswear, beauty, eyewear and accessories. His creations were aimed at those who were international, cultured and well-travelled with disposable income.
The ‘straightest gay man,’ also dubbed as one of the world’s ‘best dressed over 50’s’ has shared his sense of fashion with the world; Tom Ford Sunglasses, Tom Ford suits, Tom Ford shoes. His menswear range was mentioned in Justin Timberlake’s song Suit & Tie, with the singer rating the fashion designer so highly he even let him rap sections of the song. Other male stars that have openly endorsed Ford’s clothing range include Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp, Ryan Gosling, Hugh Jackman and Jay Z.
His fashion line for women was inspired by two important females in his life. Ford combined his grandmother’s loud, brash style with his mother’s chic and classy choice of attire. His line had been designed to appeal to the strong woman who were intelligent and knew their own style.
Tom Ford’s fashion line for women oozes sex appeal, from Tom Ford dresses to Tom Ford Sunglasses his designs and products celebrate everything that’s powerful about femininity. Ford’s designs were hailed as a success by many, with a string of female celebrities wearing his clothes over the last decade. In 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama wore an ivory floor-length evening gown to Buckingham Place. Other celebrities that have been spotted wearing Tom Ford clothing on the red carpet include Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway.
The Tom Ford eye wear range is also widely endorsed in the Hollywood circle. Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are frequently spotted flaunting Alessandra 0094’s whilst Heidi Klum opts for the Andre 0069 model. Other female celebrities opting for Tom Ford eyewear include Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry.
On the other side of the carpet Brad Pitt seems to favour Tom Ford’s Bailey 0085 model of sunglasses whilst for reasons completely unknown Daniel Craig has frequently been snapped in James Bond 0180. Other male celebrities choosing to play in cool in Tom Ford Sunglasses include Zac Efron, George Clooney and Justin Timberlake.
Controversy
Whilst many female celebrities and fashionista’s would testify that Tom Ford’s designs are the height of fashion with their unique designs and undoubtable characteristics, there has been much controversy surrounding his own female fashion brand and also his work at Gucci. More than once Ford has been at the heart of high profile backlashes following his advertising campaigns.
Sex sells. A frequent hook line used by advertising agencies. Tom Ford took it to the next level. One advertisement saw a nude woman holding a bottle of perfume between her legs, whilst another saw a naked women ironing a man’s pant whilst he sat and read a newspaper. In 2015 Ford’s ad which featured a naked and suggestive Cara Delevingne was banned from appearing within 100 metres from any school.
Ford’s provocative advertisements have led to many critics questioning his take on feminism, with many claiming that his campaigns are vulgar, sexist and objectify women. The successful fashion designer had kicked back at these claims arguing that he openly objectifies both male and female models in his advertisements. According to Ford the problem doesn’t lie with himself, it instead lies with societies own reaction to male nudity. He uses an advertisement he created for Yves Saint Laurent, whereby a naked man was used to promote the product; it was pulled and never shown.
The backlash that Tom Ford has received over the years doesn’t seem to deter him from making sexually charged advertising campaigns. Comfortable in himself and his real intentions Ford maintains that he does consider feminism. He argues that women, in the natural state depicts ‘sophisticated sex appeal,’ which should never be classed as tacky or in poor taste.
Confidently dressed in his Tom Ford suit, Tom Ford shirt and Tom Ford Prescription Glasses, the man himself flippantly claims that female nudity isn’t controversial, it’s just art. He remains, totally Tom Ford.