No one understands sex appeal quite like Tom Ford, who joined Gucci as a womens-wear designer in 1990.
At the time, the internationally renowned Italian label was better known for leather goods than luxury fashion. It was also nearly bankrupt. After creative director Dawn Mello left in 1994, following a Bahrain-based investment group becoming Gucci’s majority shareholder, Ford was named creative director. The American designer soon infused the brand with a fresh sensuality and bold style.
Ford's potent vision of sexed-up femininity spanned everything from shirts to shoes to handbags and other accessories at Gucci — he reimagined the house's iconic double-ring-and-bar Horsebit hardware, a reference to the brand’s equestrian history, as a seductive low-slung belt, worn by Madonna when accepting an MTV video music award in 1995. For his fall show during that year, in which Kate Moss walked down the runway in an unbuttoned satin shirt, velvet hip-huggers and tousled hair, heralded an exciting, glammed-up era for the once fusty brand. Vogue critic Sarah Mower called it “one of those hitting-in-the-solar-plexus moments.”
As Ford shot to fame, he continued to explore plunging necklines, such as in the black and white looks of the Fall 1996 collection, and sumptuous fabrics like leather and tweed, with the Fall 2000 ready-to-wear collection ranging from sultry silk evening dresses to plush belted coats.
Ford also cranked up the seduction in the provocative ads for Gucci, particularly with regard to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, which the fashion house acquired in 1999 (Ford was also named creative director for YSL and designed the brand’s ready-to-wear collection). Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 campaign featured Carolyn Murphy grasping Angela Lindvall in what looked like a video still; in another shot, a face pressed against a foot in a lipstick-red heel. Each promoted a vision of modern fashion where women were sexually confident, the materials were luxurious and the styles were fearless.
In 2004, Ford and Gucci president Domenico De Sole left the company after failing to agree on the renewal of their contracts. In 2006, with De Sole as chairman, Ford launched his wildly successful eponymous menswear label. Today Ford is also an author, film director and chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Find vintage Tom Ford Gucci day dresses, jackets and shoulder bags on 1stDibs.
Gucci by Tom Ford A/W 2002 Runway Pointed Toe Heels in Black Leather and Ribbon
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in London, GB
From the Gucci Autumn / Winter 2002 runway by Tom Ford. Iconic pointed heel pumps in smooth black leather with grosgrain ribbon lace up detailing around ankle. Sharp pointed toe with...
Gucci Tom Ford 2004 Runway Dragon Buckle Suede Leather D'Orsay Pumps 6B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Rare Gucci d'Orsay pumps from the Fall/Winter 2004 runway collection designed by Tom Ford during his final season at Gucci. Pieces from this collection are highly collectible and represent the end of one of fashion's most influential designer eras. These elegant pumps feature soft ivory suede uppers contrasted with a bold black leather center stripe and heel cap. The vamp is finished with distinctive gold twin dragon head ring hardware, a dramatic detail seen across Tom Ford's late Gucci designs. The almond toe and sculpted mid heel create a sleek, refined silhouette while the d'Orsay cut keeps the profile feminine and flattering. Crafted in Italy with suede uppers, leather lining, and metallic gold leather insoles. A rare archival Gucci piece ideal for collectors of Tom Ford era fashion and vintage designer footwear. Details Designer: Tom Ford for Gucci Collection: Fall/Winter 2004 runway Material: Ivory suede with black leather stripe Hardware: Gold twin dragon head ring Style: D'Orsay pumps Made in Italy Size: US 6 B (medium width) Condition Pre-owned with visible sole wear and light interior wear consistent with use. Structure remains solid. Please review photos carefully. Keywords: gucci tom ford heels, tom ford gucci pumps, gucci 2004 runway shoes, dragon head gucci, gucci d'orsay pumps, vintage gucci...
S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford GG Rhinestone Crystal Kitten Heels Black & Grey 8B
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Iconic, these heels were designed by Tom Ford, the creative director of Gucci, for the S/S 1998 collection. The small/kitten heels feature a pointed toe made of satin and adorned w...
Rare Gucci by Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2004 Runway Velvet Slingback Heels
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in NICE, FR
An exceptionally rare pair of Gucci by Tom Ford slingback heels from the celebrated Fall/Winter 2004 collection, presented in an elegant black colorway. Crafted in sumptuous black v...
F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford 'GG' Monogram Black Velvet Heel Boots 7.5B
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black velvet 'GG' monogram steel heel boots designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, the red velvet and black patent leather version of these ...
Gucci Tom Ford Y2K Satin Tie Black Suede Embroidered Heels with Box, Size 8B
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
A rare archival pair from the Tom Ford era at Gucci, these vintage satin tie heels feature black suede and satin uppers with intricate silver floral embroidery across the toe strap and heel counter. Designed with an open toe, sleek 4" stiletto heel, and elegant ankle-wrap satin ribbons, these shoes embody early 2000s glamour and craftsmanship. Made in Italy and marked size 8B (US 8), they offer a secure fit and timeless silhouette. Includes the original Gucci box with matching style code and labels. Condition is good with light sole wear and minor insole creasing. Embroidery remains crisp and ribbons are structurally sound. Ideal for collectors, red carpet events, fashion styling, or anyone seeking a true Y2K luxury heel with designer provenance and iconic detailing. Keywords: gucci satin heels, tom ford gucci shoes, y2k designer heels, vintage gucci 8B, black tie stiletto sandals, gucci embroidered heels, wrap ankle heels, luxury party shoes, gucci archive, gucci spring 2000s, wedding heels, red carpet shoes, rare gucci find, tiktok fashion, gucci tom ford heels, vintage gucci sandals...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Ruched Silk 4.5" Heeled Boots Ad Campaign 38C
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pair of ruched silk high-heeled boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1999 collection. According to Ford, this collection was me...
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Horsebit Saddle Leather Square Pumps 6B
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of square-toed horsebit heels, designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 2003 collection. This square-toed pump is made entirely of tanned leather and is made co...
Silk velvet and furs platform sandal with python heels Tom Ford for Gucci
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk velvet and furs platform sandal with python heels
Early 2000s Tom Ford for Gucci Burgundy Velvet Pumps with Bamboo Heel
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning Gucci kitten heels from the early 2000s, designed by Tom Ford. Burgundy velvet with the iconic interlocking GG logo throughout. The kitten h...
NEW F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad Runway Black Patent Leather Heel Boots 37C
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of iconic black patent leather Gucci heeled boots designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection, these boots debuted ...
F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway GG Black Pony Hair Metal Heel Boots 37C
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of pony hair 'GG' monogram steel heel boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 collection. The red velvet and black patent leather version of these h...
F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Beaded 'G' Logo Black Satin Evening Pumps 8.5 B
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black satin square 'G' Gucci beaded kitten heel, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, these classic heels are amped up with a subtle sparkling square 'G' at the vamp. Step into these rare late 1990s Gucci by Tom Ford heels...
Gucci Tom Ford Python Ankle Strap Heels Black Pointed Toe Pumps EU 37
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
An exceptional pair of vintage Gucci python heels that embody the sleek, seductive aesthetic of Gucci's most collectible archive years. Crafted in genuine black python with a sharply...
Gucci Tom Ford Era Satin Suede Crystal G Logo Sandals Heels Black 10.5 B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Gucci Tom Ford satin and suede sandals crafted in Italy featuring the iconic crystal G logo heel hardware, elegant crossover straps, and black stiletto silhouette. A rare archive design, these sophisticated heels embody the clean, sensual aesthetic that made Tom Ford's collections legendary. Beautifully constructed with luxurious black satin and suede, the sandals feature asymmetrical crossover straps, open square toes, slim stiletto heels, leather lining, and sparkling crystal Gucci G logo hardware inset into each heel. Elegant enough for evening wear while highly sought after by Gucci archive collectors. Details Gucci Tom Ford Era Made in Italy Black Satin & Suede Crystal Gucci G Heel Logo Cross Strap Design Open Toe Stiletto Heel Leather Lined Leather Sole Size 10.5 B Condition Excellent pre-owned condition with light signs of wear consistent with careful use. Minor wear to the soles and heel tips. Crystal logo hardware remains beautiful. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Keywords Gucci Tom Ford, Gucci Archive, Tom Ford Gucci, Gucci Satin Sandals, Gucci Suede Heels...
Vintage Gucci Tom Ford GG Monogram Mule Heels Black Canvas Y2K 6.5B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Vintage Gucci Tom Ford era GG monogram mule heels crafted in Italy. These black Gucci canvas mule heels feature the iconic GG monogram, sleek stiletto heel, and minimalist ...