The Tom Ford brand, founded by Tom Ford in 2005, has quickly gained recognition for its luxury products. Clothing, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes with the Ford logo are the essence of modern exclusivity.The designer, known for his unique style combining hedonism with maximalist minimalism. Previously at Gucci, he revolutionized the brand’s image in the 1990s.Tom Ford also became famous for his controversial advertising campaigns that combined sensuality with provocation, which became his trademark. Now changes at Tom Ford on the position of creative director make it difficult to predict the direction in which the brand will go
Existing brand leaders with change at Tom Ford
Tom Ford, after selling his company to cosmetics giant Estée Lauder in 2022, stepped down from heading the brand,. This opened the way for a new leader. In April 2023, Peter Hawkings took over as creative director. He has worked with Ford for many years since his time at Gucci. Previously, he was responsible for the Tom Ford brand’s menswear line. His appointment as creative director was intended to continue Ford’s legacy. It heralded the maintenance of the brand’s distinctive style.
Peter Hawkings’ short tenure
Peter Hawkings left his position as creative director after less than a year. During his short tenure, he tried to pay homage to Ford’s style by introducing more subtle interpretations of the hedonistic aesthetic characteristic of the brand. However, his vision proved too subtle to capture the attention of the market and press for long. Now changes are happening again at Tom Ford.
In an official statement, Guillaume Jesel, chairman and CEO of Tom Ford, and Lelio Gavazza, CEO of Tom Ford Fashion at Ermenegildo Zegna Group, thanked Hawkings for his contribution to the brand.
The future of the Tom Ford brand
Hawkings’ departure challenges the New York-based fashion house to find a new leader who can meet market expectations and continue Ford’s legacy. The brand said the new creative director will be announced soon. Until then, no show of the SS25 collection will be held.
Ermenegildo Zegna Group, which holds the license to produce Tom Ford apparel for 20 years, with an option to extend for another 10 years, faces the task of finding a suitable successor. He will lead the brand into a new era. However, he must retain its distinctive style and values.
Reshuffling of important positions at well-known fashion houses
Tom Ford’s changes are not all. In March 2024, Pier Paolo Piccioli left Valentino after 25 years. His place was taken by Alessandro Michele, a former Gucci designer. Dries van Noten also announced his departure from his own brand. Virginie Viard, Chanel’s artistic director, has also left. Her successor has not yet been announced. There has also been a recent bump in Burberry.
Luxury News Editor
Malcolm Lux
Source: vogue.com
The company: Tom Ford
