Tom Ford Is Bidding Farewell to Fashion With His Latest Collection

With a final collection featuring cult favorites, the Texan designer Tom Ford seems to have bid farewell to his eponymous fashion label after being in charge for over a decade.

Having spent decades in the fashion industry, including revolutionizing Gucci in the 1990s and working with Yves Saint Laurent, the designer is leaving his self-named brand after 18 years at the forefront. He may also be taking a step back from the fashion world entirely.

The brand announced, “Tom Ford, in his final collection for his eponymous brand, has turned to his archives and reissued his favorite looks from the past 13 years.” As of now, the brand has not released any additional information on the matter. Rumors of Ford’s potential departure began circulating after selling the label to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in November.

Ford’s replacement as creative director for the brand is also uncertain. However, according to The New York Times, Peter Hawkings, the head of menswear at Tom Ford, is being considered for the position.

Amber Valetta, Joan Smalls, and Karlie Kloss played significant roles in Tom Ford’s shows over the years. It’s no surprise that they will also model some of his most notable pieces for the brand’s last collection.

Each garment is meant to serve as a glimpse of the past. The white caped gown worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 2012 Oscars and a color-blocked sequin dress with the breastplate donned by Zendaya at the 2020 Critics Choice Awards are some iconic pieces that will make a potential comeback. The brand did not provide much explanation with the collection, but the clothing pieces speak for themselves.

Although Ford has had tremendous success in the fashion industry, he has also directed two highly acclaimed films. With his departure from the fashion world, it is uncertain whether he will return to Hollywood, retire completely, or return to the runway.

RHEA MALVE

Writer | Tweet me @rheamalve_xo