No one understands sex appeal quite like Tom Ford. When Gucci acquired Yves Saint Laurent in 1999, the Texas-born fashion designer had been Gucci’s creative director for several years and was also named creative director for YSL. Ford designed YSL’s ready-to-wear collection, and his vintage evening dresses, shirts, skirts and other garments for the maison are particularly popular today.
An avowed perfectionist from an early age, Ford was rearranging furniture at the age of six and offering his mother advice on her hair and shoes. The designer, author, film director and chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is one of the most successful people working in fashion today.
Born in Austin, Ford grew up in the suburbs of Houston and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He briefly attended New York University, where he studied art history before dropping out to pursue acting. He became a regular at Studio 54, with its decadent nightlife later informing his high-octane fashion. He studied architecture at Parsons School of Design before shifting his focus to fashion and spending time at the Parsons Paris campus, graduating in 1985. The rest of the decade he worked for designers Perry Ellis and Cathy Hardwick. In 1990, Gucci’s creative director Dawn Mello hired him as a womens-wear designer.
At the time, the Italian label was better known for leather goods than luxury fashion. It was also nearly bankrupt. After Mello left in 1994, following a Bahrain-based investment group becoming Gucci’s majority shareholder, Ford was named creative director. He soon infused the brand with a fresh sensuality and bold style. His fall 1995 show, 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. He also cranked up the seduction in the provocative ads for the fashion house, particularly with regard to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, which Gucci acquired in 1999. 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. The brand has expanded into womens wear, beauty, accessories — vintage Tom Ford handbags are universally adored by celebrities and collectors alike — as well as eyewear and fragrance, with the unisex Black Orchid introduced in 2006. Ford broke into film directing with the critically acclaimed A Single Man in 2009 and Nocturnal Animals in 2016, continuing to blur the boundaries between fashion and culture.
Find vintage Tom Ford YSL day dresses, handbags and other clothing and accessories now on 1stDibs.
YSL Tom Ford 2004 Runway Lace Up Black Velvet Heels 36.5
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Jose, CA
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black velvet gladiator sandals from the Tom Ford era, featured on the Fall 2002 runway. A documented runway piece from one of the most collectible per...
YSL Tom Ford 2004 Runway Lace Up Black Velvet Heels 37
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Jose, CA
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black velvet gladiator sandals from the Tom Ford era, featured on the Fall 2002 runway. A documented runway piece from one of the most collectible per...
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...
Gucci Black Strappy Heels Braided Leather Sandals 7.5 Y2K Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black strappy heels with braided leather straps and a sleek high heel, perfect for nights out, parties, and dressy everyday looks. These blac...
Gucci Black Strappy Heels Satin Ankle Strap Sandals 7.5 Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black strappy heels in satin with a sleek ankle strap design, perfect for nights out, events, or dressy everyday outfits. These black ankle strap heels feature a slim high heel and minimal crisscross straps that create a clean, flattering silhouette. Lightweight and easy to style, they pair effortlessly with dresses, denim, or evening looks—making them a go-to option for versatile wear. A classic black heel that works across seasons and occasions. From the Tom Ford era at Gucci, known for its sleek, minimal, and high-impact designs that remain highly sought after in resale. Details: • Gucci strappy sandals • Black satin fabric upper • Crisscross front straps • Adjustable ankle strap • Slim high heel • Subtle Gucci logo detail • Made in Italy Size: • US 7.5 B Heel Height: • Approx. 3.75–4" Condition: Preowned condition with visible wear on insoles and soles. Structurally sound and wearable. Please review photos for details. KEYWORDS: gucci heels black, black strappy heels, ankle strap heels women, satin heels black, designer heels women, tom ford gucci heels, vintage gucci shoes, y2k heels...
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall 2002 Runway Black Grosgrain Tie Sandals
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic vintage Gucci black lace-up heels from the iconic Tom Ford era, featured on the Fall 2002 runway collection. These elegant ankle tie sandals combine sleek minimalist stylin...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Runway Black Velvet Lace Up Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 runway red velvet lace up heels. Crafted in rich deep-red velvet, the design features sculptural cut-out panels across the foot, interlaced with s...
Hedi Slimane Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Caged Sandals Size 37.5
By Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Stunning Tribute Caged Sandals from Saint Laurent - bought for £795 and unworn with box and 2 x dustbags. Made from smooth black kid suede with a swirly cage construction and leather...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Vintage 2001 Black Leather Heels, Size EU 38
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare archival runway heels from Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2001, designed during the Tom Ford era. This season marked one of the most influential periods in the house’s history, ...
Gucci by Tom Ford F/W 2004 Runway Black Velvet and Silk Satin Wrap Heels
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
Gucci by Tom Ford black velvet and silk satin heels from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, presented on the runway. Designed with a rounded closed toe, slim platform and high velvet-c...
New Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2002 Black Grosgrain Lace-Up Sandals It 39.5
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Tom Ford for Gucci Black Grosgrain Lace-Up Sandals F/W 2002 Collection Designer size: US 9.5 B - Italian size 39.5 B Black Grosgrain Tie Closures at Ankles, Heel Height - 4.5 inc...
New Tom Ford For Gucci Black Velvet Satin Final Collection Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Stunning in Black Satin and Velvet * Rare Tom Ford's Farwell Collection * Satin Ankle Strap * Leather Insole * Size: 10 *Velvet Heel * 5" Heel * ....
