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Not every fashion designer can successfully combine glamour and raunchiness but Tom Ford has been able to do just that. He leaves the way out stuff to his colleagues and manages to plug into the mainstream of high fashion. He was born in 1962 and he's a Texan by birth. After studying interior architecture, he joined Perry Ellis and Cathy Hardwick before being hired by Gucci in 1990.
His progression at Gucci was fast, starting with his appointment as head designer in ready to wear for women. He later became Design Director and was made Creative Director in 1994, at which time he re-located to Milan. In 1995, he instigated an advertising campaign for Gucci, promoting his daring, sexy lines. The campaign involved controversial photographer Mario Testino. The company had been struggling when Tom Ford joined and he completely transformed its fortunes.
Gucci bought into the French house, Yves Saint Laurent in 2000 and Tom Ford was given the Creative Director role for them too. Now, he was making vital contributions to both brands. In addition to designing both men's and women's wear, his range at Gucci included watches, luggage, fragrances and shoes and he still supervised the marketing of the line.
It was time to move on and the designer resigned from Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in 2004. This gave him the opportunity to start his own company, which he did along with a business partner. The company goes by the simple name of 'Tom Ford' and has already had a lucrative partnership with Estee Lauder in producing fragrances and cosmetics. Plans have been announced for the opening of the first of his stores, to be in New York City in spring, 2007. The store will carry a new line of luxury menswear and leather goods. All the clothing will be exclusive to that NYC outlet. Five other Tom Ford stores are scheduled to open in Tokyo, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Milan.
The designer has won numerous awards from the industry and from fashion magazines. His clientele includes Trudie Styler, Madonna, Lenny Kravitz and Bianca Jagger. He is involved in such a wide variety of products for his label, including sunglasses, handbags, knitwear, ties and even paperweights. He has announced that he will launch a new range of unisex fragrances soon. Tom Ford is a King Midas figure; everything turns to gold in his capable hands. He has proved that he has an astute business brain in addition to a creative vision.
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