Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Tom Ford
August 27, 1961
Austin, Texas, US
65 Years Old
Virgo
Who Is Tom Ford?
Thomas Carlyle Ford is an American fashion designer and filmmaker, renowned for his sophisticated aesthetic and keen business acumen. He commands a distinct vision that blends glamour with a provocative edge.
He first burst into the public eye by revitalizing Gucci as its creative director, transforming the struggling brand into a global luxury powerhouse. His bold designs and marketing campaigns significantly boosted sales and influence.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Carlyle Ford grew up in Texas, where his realtor parents, Shirley Burton and Thomas David Ford, encouraged his early interest in art and design. He would often rearrange furniture, a clear sign of his developing aesthetic.
Ford moved to New York City for college, briefly attending New York University before transferring to Parsons School of Design. He graduated with a degree in interior architecture, though his focus soon shifted decisively toward fashion.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has not marked Thomas Ford's intensely private life, which centered for decades on his relationship with journalist Richard Buckley. They began dating in 1986, eventually marrying in 2014.
Ford and Buckley welcomed their son, Alexander John Buckley Ford, in 2012, through a gestational surrogate. Richard Buckley passed away in 2021, leaving Ford as a widower.
Career Highlights
Thomas Ford's tenure as creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004 dramatically revived both luxury brands, increasing Gucci's annual sales from $230 million to $3 billion. He infused them with a sophisticated sex appeal, expanding product lines and influencing global fashion trends.
Following this success, Ford launched his eponymous luxury fashion house in 2005, which expanded into menswear, cosmetics, eyewear, and critically acclaimed womenswear. He also ventured into filmmaking, directing the Oscar-nominated A Single Man in 2009 and Nocturnal Animals in 2016.
Signature Quote
“I think that one of the reasons I have become a designer is because I am constantly creating a fantasy.”