Born in Austin, Texas, in 1961, Tom Ford initially pursued Art History at NYU. After a brief stint in acting and starring in national advertising campaigns, he found his true calling in fashion. He honed his design skills at Parson’s School of Design in New York and later gained valuable experience at Chloé in Paris.
Ford’s career took off when he became the design director at Perry Ellis in 1988. Unsatisfied with the classic American aesthetic, he moved to Milan to work for Gucci, where he revolutionized the brand. By 1994, Ford was Gucci’s creative director, overseeing everything from menswear to advertising and store design. Following Gucci's acquisition of Yves Saint Laurent in 1999, Ford was appointed Creative Director of YSL as well.
In 2004, Tom Ford launched his label, expanding into various luxury categories, including Tom Ford glasses and cosmetics. His distinct vision caters to an "international, cultured, and well-travelled" clientele, designing for strong, intelligent individuals who appreciate timeless yet daring fashion.