Ford, Tom (1962– )

US fashion designer. He was creative director for luxury goods label Gucci 1994–2004 and is credited with transforming the label from nearly bankrupt to a multi-billion dollar business. Known for his talent, energy, hard work, and keen business sense, he became one of the most influential designers of the 1990s, credited with reviving glamour in fashion.

He joined Gucci in 1990 as the head designer for the women's ready-to-wear line and was appointed design director in 1992. Gucci acquired Yves Saint-Laurent in 2000, and Ford later became creative director for both houses. His bold, sexy designs were favoured by popular culture icons such as Madonna, Uma Thurman, and Charlize Theron. He also popularized haute handbags. His menswear line was favoured by film stars such as Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks. He launched his own label in 2004 and became particularly well known for his line of sunglasses. The flagship Tom Ford store was opened in New York in 2007.

He was born in Austin, Texas, and grew up mostly in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After moving to New York City, where he briefly attended New York University, he studied architecture at the Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, France. After graduating in 1986, he joined the creative staff of US designer Cathy Hardwick, and then became design director of Perry Ellis in 1988.