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...
Syna Yellow Gold Clover Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.45 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition Meticulously crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, these limited edition earrings...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.56 Carat Diamond Tear Drop South Sea Cultured Pearl Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the epitome of elegance with our tear drop South Sea cultured Pearl Diamond platinum dangle earrings. Each earring features a luminous teardrop-shaped pearl, renowned for ...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Hand Engraved Florentine Coral Diamond Drop Earrings 18K Yellow White Gold
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Finely crafted and richly detailed, these hand engraved coral and diamond earrings showcase traditional Florentine style engraving in a sophisticated two tone design. Made in 18K yel...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
Picchiotti 18 Karat White Gold, Cascading Diamond Heart Drop Earrings
By Picchiotti
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous graduating diamond heart drops are handcrafted by the renowned Italian designer PIcchiotti. Set in 18kt white gold, these 3" long cascading...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage KENZO PARIS Lucite Leaves Dangling Earrings
By Kenzo Paris
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage KENZO PARIS Lucite Leaves Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic KENZO PARIS. - Yellow lucite leaves dangling earrings. - Gold tone hardware. - Signed KENZO. - Clipbac...
Syna Amethyst Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Amethyst 11 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Limited edition A stunning masterpiece of fine jewelry, these limited edition earrings are crafted in 18kyg, ...
Diamond, Amethyst, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage MOSCHINO Lucite Heart Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings
By Moschino
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage MOSCHINO Lucite Heart Peace Sign Novelty Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic MOSCHINO. - Lucite heart with peace sign dangling novelty earrings. - Clip back earring...
Carved Ruby Iolite Diamond 18 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful linear drop earring are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 9.26 carats carved ruby, 1.53 carats Iolite, topaz and .28 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW...
Diamond, Iolite, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in these stunning signed Bulgari Bvlgari Earrings with Citrine globes and Lapis Lazuli surmounts in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The dangle drop earrings are signed Bvlgari 750. Th...
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Late Victorian Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Victorian diamond drop earrings, the old-cut diamonds, weighing 3.14 and 3.23 carats, respectively H colour VS1 and H colour SI1, accompanied by De Beers Report , each eight claw-set to a platinum scroll collet, suspended from a knife-edge bar with brilliant-cut diamond surmount, estimated to weigh 0.15 carats each, millegrain rubover-set in platinum to a yellow gold mount with hook fitting, circa 1900, later hallmarked 18ct gold London. measuring approximately 2.8 x 0.9cm, gross weight 4.4 grams. This pair of Victorian earrings is in very good condition for its age. An exquisite pair of late Victorian earrings. These earrings each feature a lively diamond connected to a hook fitting. From the fitting is a platinum bar, suspending a scintillating old-cut diamond weighing over three carats. The two impressive diamonds catch the light beautifully: the old-cut diamonds have a wonderful antique allure...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Beautiful 15.73 ct Morganite & Diamond Earrings, 14k White Gold
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant earrings featuring two pear-shaped natural morganites totaling 15.73 ct, each surrounded by 74 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 0.55 ct. The diamonds are set i...
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,653
W 0.67 in L 1.93 in
1950s Mid-Century Ruby Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Silver Grain Setting Drop Earring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Charming and elegant, these refined drop earrings in 14-karat yellow gold and 800 silver embody all the beauty of classic jewelry with sophisticated details and timeless appeal. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver