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.
F/W 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Beaded Feather Pendant Earrings
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of black beaded and feather Gucci earrings designed by Tom Ford. These extraordinary earrings from the Fall/Winter 2001 collection feature strands of long black beads and black fanned-out feathers. These ultra-rare earrings...
Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci Ad Campaign 18K White Gold Wrap Ring
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci Ad Campaign 18K White Gold Wrap Ring BRAND NEW GUCCI WHITE GOLD WRAP RING From highly valuable Tom Ford era White gold US size 6...
Rosecut Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of rosecut, pear-shaped, natural emerald slices with a border of pave`-set diamonds and diamond post. Set in oxidized sterling silver with 18K gold post for pierced ears. Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
French 1960s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thread Dome Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark, and platinum, dog's head hallmark. In accordance with its period, this retro ring is made up of a mounting of gold threads which ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1940s French Sapphire Diamonds Gadroon Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Domed, this sublime tank ring is composed of three rings. The one in the center has an oval cus...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
$5,390Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Watch Australian Opal White Diamond Blue Sapphire Gold Ring, Just Jules
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Ring by jewelry designer Julie Romanenko (Just Jules) showcasing a magnificent violet-hued natural round Australian opal cabochon with primary red and green fire, bezel-set in a vintage platinum watch...
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...
$5,900 / item
Front Back Multi Sapphire Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful front back multi sapphire earrings are handcrafted of 18K gold, 5.3 carat sapphires and .16 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
French 1950s No Heat Ceylon Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. Important rectangular shape antique ring, it is set with 4 double claws, of an oval blue sapphire surrounded by 2 x 7 brilliant- cut diamonds a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Sterling Silver Citrine brutalist Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
This makes quite a statement. Massive Citrine stone set in Sterling Silver. Stone measures 30.5 x 23.7 x 13.29 Totally Approximately 50 Carats. This is a Size 5. Patina as found. Vis...
Citrine, Sterling Silver
White Diamonds 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Vintage Bow Ring
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold with 3 white brilliant cut diamonds, circa 0.20 ctw. Size of the upper part of the ring is 23x16 mm / 0.905x0.629 inche...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
$1,100 / set
W 0.25 in L 1.25 in
18K Gold and Aquamarine Dangle Drop Earrings by Deborah Lockhart Phillips
By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
A pair of 18K gold dangle earrings with detailed granulation and wire work with a faceted, round aquamarine drop at the bottom. 18K Gold stud for pierced ears. By Deborah Lockhart ...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Baguette Round Sapphire And Diamond Wide Band Cocktail Ring 4.32ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An estate wide cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold, designed with a confident, dimensional profile and beautifully ordered rows of color and light. Deep blue baguette sapphires ar...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ammanii Vermeil Gold Drop Earrings with Freshwater Pearls and Tassels
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of our new collection Malikat = Queens. Inspired by the ruling females of ancient Egypt. Queen Nefertari means "Beautiful Companion"- These stunning statement earrings are an ode to her reign and the legacy to dare to set out of the box. Hand crafted vermeil gold with hand set clear zircon...
Zircon, Freshwater Pearl, Vermeil
$228Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Green Emerald Oval Cut Statement Ring in Handmade 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green Emerald Ring Women’s 925 Sterling Silver Handcrafted Vintage Style Oval Cut Emerald Statement Ring Handmade Artisan Jewelry Vintage Silver Band Gift for Her. 💎 GEMSTO...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
1990s Never Used Modern Full Set Cigarette Holder by Gucci
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare 1990s full set cigarette holder from the Gucci Accessory Collection is a pristine example of the house’s elevated lifestyle design from the late 20th century. The set remai...
Enamel
GUCCI By Tom Ford F/w 2002 Ebony Wood Cross Necklace
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
The Gucci Ebony Wood Cross Necklace is a striking piece that blends modern elegance with a sense of spirituality. This necklace is crafted from premium ebony wood, showcasing a dark,...
GUCCI By Tom Ford F/w 2002 Ebony Wood Cross Necklace
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
The Gucci Ebony Wood Cross Necklace is a striking piece that blends modern elegance with a sense of spirituality. This necklace is crafted from premium ebony wood, showcasing a dark,...
GUCCI By Tom Ford F/w 2002 Ebony Wood Cross Necklace
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
The Gucci Ebony Wood Cross Necklace is a striking piece that blends modern elegance with a sense of spirituality. This necklace is crafted from premium ebony wood, showcasing a dark,...
Gucci 1990 Tom Ford Signet Ring in 18 Karat White Gold with Jasper Ironstone
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Signet ring designed by Tom Ford for Gucci. A modernist geometric cushion shaped ring, designed during the period of Tom Ford as a creative director for Gucci. This unusual cocktail ring, was crafted in Firenze Italy in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish Jasper Ironstone: Mount at top in a bezel setting, with 1 flat sliced cushion cut (20 x 19 mm) of a natural red Ironstone...
Quartz, Jasper, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Gucci Pendant on Leather Strap
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Great Gucci pendant, one of the best designs from the Tom Ford years. Sterling Silver with a gold wash, hanging on black leather cord with gold washed silver closer. (This has been ...
Gold Plate