Gucci by Tom Ford aqua blue beaded evening dress, ss 2000
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: IT 38 - FR 34 - UK 6 - US 2 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140210185732
Tom Ford for Gucci
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 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 handbags on 1stDibs.
Gucci
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Roberto Cavalli bias cut silk open-back evening dress, ss 2001By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli silk evening dress ▪ Psychedelic print in vibrant blue, pink and chartreuse ▪ Bias cut ▪ Cowl neck ▪ Open low back ▪ Asymmetric hemline ▪ Size Extra Small ▪ Spr...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Dessès haute couture emerald and gold silk brocade evening dress, c. 1962By Jean DessèsLocated in London, GBPresenting an exquisite haute couture evening gown by the legendary Jean Dessès, a true marvel from the fashion realm, dating back to the illustrious era of 1962. Prepare to be capti...Category
1960s Greek Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier blue cyber dot printed lycra bodycon dress, fw 1995By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GB▪ Jean Paul Gaultier cyber dot printed dress ▪ Iconic dots printed in the form of a woman, dressed in a bra and thong ▪ Skin tight fit ▪ High neck ▪ Calf-le...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace aqua blue felted wool and gold lace top and skirt set, ss 1999By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace aqua blue felted wool top and skirt set ▪ Designed by Donatella Versace ▪ Felted wool with metallic gold lace underlay ▪ Nude mesh ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli blue and purple acid wash silk halter neck maxi dress, ss 1999By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli blue and purple silk maxi dress ▪ Acid wash print with gold glitter ▪ Scoop neck ▪ Halter ties with crystal charms ▪ Size Medium ▪ Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ 100% SilkCategory
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli blue and purple acid wash silk open back maxi dress, ss 1999By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli blue and purple silk maxi dress ▪ Acid wash print with gold glitter ▪ Open back with drape ▪ V neck ▪ Long ties with crystal...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- ROBERTO CAVALLI Embellished Blue Sequin Evening Gown Long Dress US 2 4 / IT 40By Roberto CavalliLocated in Goshen, KYSize: Italian 40 (US 2/4) Brand: Roberto Cavalli Color: Cobalt Blue Season: 2013 Collection Composition: Silk ; Lined Features: Embellished detail throughout Plunge neck Slight tra...Category
2010s Evening Gowns
- Alexander McQueen S/S 2010 "Plato's Atlantis" Aquatic Alien Hybrid Print DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Chicago, ILDesigned by Alexander McQueen for the spring/summer 2010 collection, titled "Plato's Atlantis". This collection envisioned a future of human reversion to an animal state, how life wo...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Aqua Beaded Lace Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis mesmerising 1960's aqua coloured dress, embellished with a pale blue overlay of floral lace, which is in turn decorated with pearlescent glass beads, iridescent sequins and pearls, is the perfect statement piece for your cocktail wardrobe. The high collared neckline is fully embellished with pearlescent glass beads and scattered pearlescent plastic beads, which set off the neckline and triangular collar feature along the top of the bodice.The simple shoulder line, sets off the sleeveless cut. The fitted bodice boasts tailored darts along the bust-line and a cinched in waistline. The elegant long-line of the skirt, is finished with a side slit along the right hand side side seam. The lace base of the dress is fully embellished with and accented by pearlescent glass beads and iridescent sequins, completing this dress in an iconic silhouette. This dress is fully like in aqua colour nylon. Label: None Measurements Of The Dress Armpit to Armpit: up to 36 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 15 inches Shoulder to Hem: 55 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: 19 inch metal zip and two hook and eyes Size: UK 10-12 US 6-8 Condition: The dress is in near perfect vintage condition. Light bead loss along the high collar edges of the dress. Light yellowing along the armpits of the dress. Light and gentle beadwork loss throughout the length of the dress . Gentle beadwork loss along the hemline. These minor details are not apparent when the dress is being worn and only noticeable upon closer inspection. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. Fastenings: This dress fastens to the back with a 20.5 inch metal zip and a hook and eye Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned Fabric: Nylon lining, glass beads, pearlescent sequins, plastic pearlised beads, lace Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Vivienne Tam Blue Sheer Maxi DressBy Vivienne TamLocated in Los Angeles, CABlue sheer maxi gown. Short sleeve. Lined. *Condition: excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— Shoulder to Shoulder...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace Jeans Snakeskin Jersey DressBy Versace Jeans CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAFeel like a queen in this Jersey fabric, Versace Jeans Couture Snakeskin Jersey Dress. Perfect for summer, and most occasions - this colorful animal print with cut out shoulders Jers...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- MARCHESA NOTTE blue SHEER FLORAL EVENING Dress 0 XSBy Marchesa NotteLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Marchesa Notte floral semi sheer dress in electric blue polyester (100%). Features long sleeves and opens with a concealed zipper and a hook at the back. Lined in nude...Category
2010s Evening Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Explore a Century of Gucci Fashion in London
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.