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.
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford era SS 2002 Silk Leopard Print Long Sleeve Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slinky and sexy silk jaguar top from Tom Ford's Spring/Summer 2002 Ready-to-Wear Safari collection for Yves Saint Laurent. This famous collection brought iconic pieces from the Momba...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Black Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Top F/W 2001
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Yves Saint Laurent Black Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Top from Fall/Winter 2001 by Tom Ford epitomizes timeless elegance and sophisticated fashion. Crafted from luxurious black fabri...
Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent FW 2001 Black Cotton Top Blouse Fr 40
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
A rare and highly collectible piece from Tom Ford’s celebrated tenure at Yves Saint Laurent, this dramatic Fall/Winter 2001 off-the-shoulder runway blouse embodies the sensual glamou...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Size 44 / 12 Black and White Early 2000s Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white button up shirt ! Features a stylish tailored fit. White collar and cuffs. Soft cotton bl...
YVES SAINT LAURENT BY TOM FORD 00'S iconic and rare leather bustier
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, MILANO
00'S iconic and rare bonded leather bustier by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent The composition is 100% leather
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2003 Runway Ruched Shirt Blouse Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2003 Runway Ruched Shirt Blouse Top Look 11 from the Spring 2003 Collection.
S/S 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Sheer Anatomic Pattern Top Small
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection under Tom Ford, this black long sleeve top features sheer panels forming an abstract anatomic motif across the front and back....
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Top Blouse with Tom Ford Peplum Belt M
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Top Blouse + Tom Ford Leather Belt F/W 2002 Collection Ready to Wear Designer size - M ( will fit bigger sizes also - please check measurements ). 100% Silk, drawstring fastening around the top gives the possibilities to use this blouse as off or above shoulder (elasticated band not attached there). Very unique fabric with the distressed look. The blouse is designed oversize, and on runway picture model is wearing a skirt while putting blouse inside. We offer using this top/blouse with Tom Ford leather peplum belt...
NWT $4395 Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Lace Belted Plum Blouse Fr 42
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lace Blouse Top F/W 2001 Ready to Wear Collection Designer size - 42 ( please check measurements) Plum color exquisite lace over the b...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Bandage Corset Waist Belt Top M
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black knit Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche waist belt, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this corset-esque top debuted on the seas...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Bandage Corset Waist Belt Top L
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black knit waist belt by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, designed by Tom Ford for the Spring/Summer 2001 collection. Debuting as part of look 12 on Kate Moss, this corset-inspir...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Spring 2003 Brown Ribbed Sleeveless Vintage Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and effortless vintage Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford brown ribbed sleeveless shirt ! Beautiful brown knit Yves Saint Laurent sleeveless top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spri...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Silk Satin Bell Cuff Scoop Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a luxurious black silk satin blouse designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Fall/Winter 2003 collection. A large scoop neckline and fabulously oversized ...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford White Cotton Tie Front Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yves Saint Laurent white creme cotton button tie front blouse designed by Tom Ford era. Size: Medium Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ blouse lengt...
Yves Saint Laurent, 2003, Tom Ford Era Bell Sleeve Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A vintage YSL Rive Gauche black rayon long-sleeve top from the 2003 collection, designed under Tom Ford’s creative direction. It features a deep V-neckline and dramatic bell sleeves,...
2000S Saint Laurent by Tom Ford cotton beige top size S
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
2000S Saint Laurent by Tom Ford cotton beige top size S a piece by Tom Ford for Saint Laurent in perfect condition
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2003 Runway Cutout Shirt Blouse Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2003 Runway Cutout Shirt Blouse Top FR 38 Look 9 from the Spring 2003 Collection.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Tom Ford 2002 Black Tulle Silk Layer Jacket Top 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning piece designed by Tom Ford for his FW collection for Yves Saint Laurent in 2002 Finest black tulle silk Beautiful tailoring with many layers Frayed details Collection Autumn...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Teal Green Sheer Ruffle Tank Top
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic teal green Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche viscose tank top designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, a dress version of this top debuted on the season's runway as look 1, modeled by Julia Stegner, and in the season's ad campaign on Julia Stenger, photographed by Craig McDean. Demi Moore...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 Black Jersey Cut-Out Stretch Top It. S
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Top F/W 2004 Collection Black jersey stretch sexy top futured a lot of cut-out details, Button closure. Measurements: Length - 23 in...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Hand Painted Semi-Sheer Silk Top, S / S 2002
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Semi-Sheer Sexy Top - Rare to Find! Spring/Summer 2002 Collection Designer size - M 100% Silk, Dark Brown, Unique Hand-Painted Design, Sil...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford YSL Size 40 / 8 Ivory White Tuxedo Blouse Shirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and timeless YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche by TOM FORD ivory / off-white women's cotton / lycra long sleeve tuxedo style blouse ! Hidden buttons up the front. Can be worn many ...
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Black Ruched Pussy Bow Zip Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a long-sleeved black Yves Saint Laurent top designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this top features a zip-up closure at the front and a black pussy...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Terra Cotta Tan Jersey Ruffle Sleeveless Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche YSL terra-cotta / tan jersey ruffle top! Simply slips over the head, and stretches to fit. Flattering ruffles throughout. Expert...
F/W 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Ribbon Knit Sweater Top S
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black ribbon Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche sweater top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this top debuted as part of look 9, modeled...
S/S 2003 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford Blush Slinky Tank Top M
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible blush Yves Saint Laurent sleeveless top designed by Tom Ford. This slinky top features ruching throughout from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection and a diamond panel at the back and front. Many pieces from the Fall/Winter 2022 Saint Laurent collection took inspiration from Ford’s slinky designs in this collection, reinforcing the importance of this style and collection to the YSL fashion...
F/W 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Lace-Up Cuff Black Button-Up Blouse FR42
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful black Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche top designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, versions of this top debuted on the season's runway as pa...
F/W 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Purple Angora Stretch Panel Tank Top L
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a purple angora panel Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tank top designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this knit tank top features lush, deep purple ang...
S/S 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Anatomic Panel Dalí Sleeveless Top FR40
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This sleeveless beige top from Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford is from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection and features a surrealist, anatomical panel construction inspired by the work ...
NWT F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Silk Ruffle Strapless Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche top from the Fall/Winter 2003 collection by Tom Ford is a strapless black silk construction with layered ruffles, some connected by small ties. A ...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Sheer Stretch Silk Zip Sleeve Top FR40
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a sheer black button-up Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this fabulous top is nearly entirely sheer aside ...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Debut Plunging Black Tuxedo Vest
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche vest top, designed by Tom Ford. From Ford's first collection at YSL, this Spring/Summer 2001 collection top debuted on the ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT BY TOM FORD SS 01 Iconic and rare elasticated bustier
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, MILANO
Spring Summer 2001 iconic and rare elasticated bustier by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Obi belt The composition is 50% polyester 40% elastane 10% cotton
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Emerald Green Silk Ruffle Tank Top FR40
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic emerald green Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche silk tank top designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, a dress version of this top debuted on the season's runway as look 1, modeled by Julia Stegner, and in the season's ad campaign on Julia Stenger, photographed by Craig McDean. Demi Moore...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 Chinoiserie Silk Blouse Top Fr. 38 US 6
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Silk Top Blouse F/W 2004 Collection French size 38 - US 6 ( oversize, please check measurements). Chinoiserie Inspired Silk Printed B...
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Jaguar Print Sheer Silk Top FR36
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent blouse by Tom Ford from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection is cut in a relaxed silhouette in sheer silk with an allover jaguar print. It has a bateau neckline,...
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Distressed Suede Studded Vest
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent vest by Tom Ford from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection is cut in a longline silhouette in distressed camel suede with an open front and patch pockets at both...
Iconic Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent black zippered ribbon top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Iconic piece designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent is fully-lined. This top has a "Goth" style inside and out with "Ribbon" gathering detailing. the silk lining also has gather...