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.
2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Heeled Sandals with Metal Snake Head and Bamboo Heel
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Strappy metallic gold snake print open toe sandals from Tom Ford's iconic and highly sought after run at the helm of Gucci. These sandals are sexy and fun. Embellished with a gold to...
Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Leather Tiger Head Sandals - '00s
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Leather Tiger Head Slingback Sandals from the Fall/Winter 2000 Runway collection are one of the most iconic and highly sought-after designs from the Tom Ford e...
New Tom Ford for Gucci Python Snake Head Ad Runway Heels Sz 7
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For Gucci Heels Brand New & Very Rare * Stunning in Gold Python * Tom Ford's "Farewell Collection" w/ Gucci * Size: 7 * Gold Bamboo Heel * Famous Purple Snake...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 6.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 6.5 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" Heel * With Box, Dust Cover and Extra Heel ...
Gucci Tom Ford 2002 Runway Bamboo Heel Sandals Tan Leather Size US 9
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci Tom Ford 2002 Runway Bamboo Heel Sandals in tan leather, an exceptionally rare archive design from one of the most collectible eras in Gucci history. Featuring the iconic carved bamboo heel, minimalist strappy silhouette, and unmistakable Tom Ford aesthetic, this vintage Gucci collector's piece is very rare and a favorite of archive fashion collectors. Originally part of the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, these sandals represent the understated glamour that defined Tom Ford's vision for Gucci. The sculptural bamboo heels, delicate leather straps, and clean architectural lines create a timeless silhouette that feels as relevant today as it did on the runway over two decades ago. Details Authentic Gucci Tom Ford Era Spring/Summer 2002 Collection Made in Italy Rare Archive Design Signature Bamboo Heels Tan Leather Upper Adjustable Ankle Strap Open Toe Sculptural Mid Heel Size US 9 Condition Very good pre-owned condition with light signs of wear consistent with age and careful use. Please review all photographs as accurately represent the condition of the item. Keywords: Gucci Tom Ford, Gucci Tom Ford 2002, Gucci 2002 Runway, Gucci Bamboo Heels, Gucci Bamboo Sandals...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 6
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New with Box Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 6 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" H...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005 Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 7.5 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" Heel * W...
Gucci, Gold sandal with straps
By Gucci
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gucci, Gold sandal with straps and charm around the ankle. The item is in good condition. Slight discoloration on the footbed.
TOM FORD metallic gold leather TASSELED LACE UP Flat Sandals Shoes 40
By Tom Ford
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Tom Ford tasseled lace-up flat sandals in metallic gold leather. Brand new. Come with dust bags. Measurements Imprinted Size 40 Shoe Size 40 Inside Sole 27cm (10.5in...
Tom Ford for Gucci Python Snake Head Ad Runway Heels Sz 37.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For Gucci Heels Worn Once for a Runway show * Stunning in Gold Python * Tom Ford's "Farewell Collection" w/ Gucci * Size: 37.5 * Gold Bamboo Heel Green Snake Head Jewel...
New Tom Ford for Gucci FW 2000 Gold Leather Tiger Heat Sandals Shoes 37.5 US 7.5
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Tom Ford for Gucci Gold Leather Tiger Heat Sandals Slingback F/W 2000 Runway Italian size 37.5 - US 7.5 Metallic gold tone and bronze leather, M...
New Gucci Vintage S/S 2005 from the Ad Campaign Gold Black Shoes Sandals US 8
By Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Gucci from the Ad Campaign Gold Black Shoes S/S 2005 Collection It size 38 - US 8 Metallic Gold Braided Chain with Patent Black Leather, Gold Tone...
Exceptional vintage Gucci metallic gold python platform sandals 8.5
By Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional vintage Gucci metallic gold python embossed platform sandals. An ultra-rare archival Gucci design crafted in luminous metallic gold python embossed leather with sculptur...
Exceptional vintage Gucci metallic gold python platform sandals 10
By Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional vintage Gucci metallic gold python embossed platform sandals. An ultra-rare archival Gucci design crafted in luminous metallic gold python embossed leather with sculptur...
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2004 Alligator Jeweled Oyster Color Bamboo Shoes 9 & 8.5
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Alligator Shoes Sandals. Designer size 9 B - Italian 39 B ( size 8.5 B also available ) S/S 2004 Collection Oyster Color Allig...
New Tom Ford for Gucci Gold Leather and Snakeskin Shoes Pumps 11B
By Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Gold Leather Platform Shoes Pumps Designer Size - 11 B 2004 Collection Snake Gold-tone Covered Heel - 5 inches Leather Straps Color - Gold Platform Approx. - 0.5 i...
Composed of a mishmash of patterns and textures, the dress's disparate elements somehow come together to make a harmonious whole.
The designer, who has created looks for style icons like Cher and Barbie, knows how to make a statement dress.
