Tom Ford: 10 Surprising Facts Every Fashion Lover Should Know

Tom Ford is one of the most iconic and influential designers of our time. He is known for his eponymous label, as well as his work as the creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

His designs are luxurious, sexy, and modern – and have been worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.

In addition to being a world-renowned designer, Tom Ford is also a film director, screenwriter, and producer. He has directed films such as ‘A Single Man’ and ‘Nocturnal Animals’, and has produced films such as ‘The 2,000 Year Old Man’.

Tom Ford

There is no doubt that Tom Ford is a multi-talented individual. To learn more about this fascinating man, read on for 10 surprising facts every fashion lover should know!

1. Early life and education

Tom Ford was born on August 27, 1961, in Austin, Texas. His father, Tom Sr., was an advertising executive, and his mother, Shirley, was a homemaker. When Ford was 11, his family moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he attended Santa Fe Preparatory School. After graduating from high school, Ford studied art history at New York University. He then transferred to the Parsons School of Design, but dropped out after only six months.

2. Designing for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent

In 1990, Tom Ford was hired as the chief womenswear designer at Gucci. He quickly rose through the ranks, and was appointed creative director in 1994. Under Ford’s guidance, Gucci became one of the most successful fashion brands in the world. In 1999, Ford was appointed creative director of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL). He revitalized the brand, and his designs were extremely popular with celebrities and everyday women alike.

3. Launching his own label

In 2005, Tom Ford launched his eponymous label. The label offers a range of products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty, and eyewear. All of the products are designed and produced by Ford himself. The Tom Ford label is available in over 50 countries, and has over 300 retail stores.

4. His film and acting career

In addition to his successful career in fashion, Tom Ford has also made a name for himself in the film industry. He made his directorial debut in 2009 with the film ‘A Single Man’. The film was a critical and commercial success, and garnered Ford an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Ford has also directed the films ‘Nocturnal Animals’ and ‘Knife+Heart’. In addition to directing, Ford has also acted in a number of films, including ‘Zoolander’, ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’, and ‘Metallica: Through the Never’.

5. His personal life

Tom Ford is married to Richard Buckley, a journalist and editor. The couple has been together since 1986, and have one child, Alexander John Buckley Ford. Ford and Buckley live in Los Angeles, and also have homes in New York City and London.

6. His style

Tom Ford is known for his sleek and sexy style. His designs are often body-hugging and feature bold cuts and prints. He is also known for his use of color, and often incorporates vivid hues into his collections.

7. His design principles

Tom Ford believes that fashion should be grounded in reality. He designs his collections with the modern woman in mind, and strives to create pieces that are both stylish and wearable. Ford also believes that fashion should be fun. He wants his clothes to make people feel good, and to give them a sense of joy and confidence.

8. His views on fashion

Tom Ford is one of the most outspoken designers in the fashion industry. He is often critical of the industry, and has spoken out against the use of skinny models and the over-sexualization of women. Ford has also said that he believes fashion is an art form, and should be treated as such. He has said that he wants his clothes to be seen as works of art, and to be hung in museums.

9. His legacy

Tom Ford is one of the most iconic and influential designers of our time. He has changed the way we think about fashion, and his designs will be remembered for generations to come. Tom Ford is a true icon, and will go down in history as one of the greats.

10. He is a Billionaire.

Tom Ford is now officially a billionaire after the beauty giant acquired the fashion designers brand for $2.8 Billion. As a result of the purchase, Ford will net a cool $1.1 billion personally after tax. The companies had already worked together with Estee Lauder already having licenses in place to sell Ford’s cosmetics.

Related article: Tom Ford is a Freshly Minted Billionaire!