Despite all the unforgettable runway shows, momentous designer debuts, and long-awaited supermodel comebacks that have electrified the fashion world in recent years, it’s no secret that the industry has been going through some major confounding shifts. From Alessandro Michele’s departure from Gucci to the heartbreaking passing of brilliant designers; the closure of Raf Simons’ revolutionary eponymous label, to the several industry-shaking scandals, it’s safe to say that the constant stream of devastating news isn’t coming to an end anytime soon.
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On the 26th of April, Tom Ford revealed on Instagram that he’s bidding farewell to his renowned namesake label, shocking many with his unexpected announcement. Following his departure from Gucci after a legendary 14-year tenure, the designer launched his very own brand in 2005 and it swiftly became one of the biggest luxury fashion and beauty powerhouses. Needless to say, he dominated any sphere he stepped into. When the brand was sold to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion last November, it was affirmed that Ford’s resignation was forthcoming by the end of 2023—but it seems he had a change of plans. Nevertheless, in true Tom Ford fashion, he’s going out with a bang.
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To conclude his tenure at the label, Ford turned back the clock and reissued some of his most groundbreaking archived pieces for his surprise AW23 collection, marking the end of an era on a nostalgic note. In an official announcement, the brand stated, “Tom Ford, in his final collection for his eponymous brand, has turned to his archives and reissued his favourite looks from the past 13 years.”
“In 2010, Tom Ford launched his first womenswear collection. Today, more than a decade later, for his final collection, he pays homage to the Tom Ford woman with limited re-editions of his best-known iconic signature looks,” the statement continued.
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And there it was, the quintessential Tom Ford collection. An assemblage of Ford’s most iconic classics took centre stage for the final time, including the sublime white cape dress donned by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 2012 Oscars, the extraordinary mirror-embellished dress from SS14, Beyoncé’s dazzling sequin jersey mini dress from the Mrs. Carter World Show Tour, the stunning multi-colour dress from SS16, as well as the famed pink metallic breastplate and skirt ensemble worn by Zendaya at the 2020 Critics Choice Awards. Saving the best for last, Ford’s glorious velvet suit from his Gucci days also made an appearance, a piece that defined his highly-acclaimed tenure at the Italian house.
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Famously known as the designer among the stars, it was only natural that the collection was unveiled with some of the world’s top supermodels, namely Amber Valletta, Karlie Kloss, Karen Elson, Joan Smalls, and Caroline Trentini, who brought the looks to life in a series of videos shot by Steven Klein.
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Two days after Ford’s reveal, the brand has announced his successor to be Peter Hawkings, who has shared a long history with the designer, dating back to 1998 at the house of Gucci. Hawkings left Gucci shortly after Ford to join him at his label as the Senior Vice President of Tom Ford menswear. “In Peter Hawkings the brand has found the perfect Creative Director,” Ford shared in an official statement.
He added, “Peter began working with me 25 years ago as a menswear design assistant at Gucci and rapidly worked his way up to become the senior men’s designer at the company when he left to join me at the Tom Ford brand. Since the creation of Tom Ford menswear, Peter has been instrumental in the success of the brand. He is an incredibly talented leader with tremendous industry experience, and his appointment gives me confidence that my commitment to creating fashion products with the highest level of design and quality will continue.”
While the designer has yet to reveal the next chapter of his journey, one thing’s for sure: Tom Ford knows how to make a sensational comeback.
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