In the world before Tom Ford, Gucci fell into suede loafer obscurity, requiring a serious face lift. After a few seasons at the Italian design emporium, Ford’s input swiftly reinvented the house of Gucci, making The G a status symbol yet again. Images of smoky-eyed models on a black runway sporting dresses with strategically placed cut outs come to mind. A stunning Gwyneth Paltrow wearing that red velvet suit shot the line into the celebrity stratosphere. The result was a revamped Gucci brand and lifestyle that screamed sex, wealth, beauty and elitism. The average citizen needed not apply.
However, once street vendors in New York City started selling imitation hobos and sunglasses with rhinestone G’s glued on the temples, Ford must have gotten bored by the baseness of it all. He then sunk his teeth into another brand needing a boost, Yves Saint Laurent. Once again, the famed American managed to resuscitate a stuffy old European brand desperately in need of a shot of adrenalin. Although you’d be hard pressed to find Yves Saint Laurent copies for sale on Canal Street, Ford’s signature YSL runway Grecian goddess looks and ladylike ruffles can be found anywhere from be be to Ann Taylor at this point.
Ford has since struck gold again at famed cosmetics powerhouse Estee Lauder where he is busy reviving the namesake’s line of color and fragrance. After relaunching Youth Dew with Ford’s sexy touch, their fragrance sector saw a 27% growth, claims the company website. This summer’s Azuree line that Ford designed is sure to boost the company’s cosmetic sales, given that the packaging is incredibly chic and the colors universal for all skin tones.
Given his resume, it is safe to say that Tom Ford is a sure thing.
Perhaps that is why he felt so inclined to design his own line of eyewear. He banked on his own bankability, and as a result, every five faces from 86th street down to Houston have sunglasses with “TF” on the side. Ford has successfully pimped himself out. Did he not realize that he would be giving commoners a VIP pass? Does he not want anything to remain sanctified?
At this point, he might as well sell his shades at the Gap. Don’t get me wrong, I do admire his successes and his inspired vision. I just don’t see him as a household name. I cringe at the thought of him designing an ipod or a line at H&M. You just know that one of the two has got to be next on Ford’s agenda.
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