Tom Ford Gucci Lucite Wedge Block Heels (Circa 1990s-Early 2000s)
View Similar Items
Tom Ford Gucci Lucite Wedge Block Heels (Circa 1990s-Early 2000s)
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 9B (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU583319297472
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.
- Chanel Mesh Cage Peep Toe BootiesBy ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAMesh cage peep toe booties by Chanel Made in Italy Black suede Nude mesh with black suede strips going over top Peep toe Back zipper closure Zipper pull has gold CC logo charm ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
- Rick Owens Black and Transparent Beatle Bozo Tractor Boots Size 38 (Spring 2021)By Rick OwensLocated in Los Angeles, CARick Owens Black and Transparent Beatle Bozo Tractor Boots Size 38 Beatle Bozo Tractor Boots Spring 2021 Phlegethon Collection Black leather calfskin upper Transparent rubber sole S...Category
2010s Italian Boots
- Tod’s Desert BootLocated in Los Angeles, CATod's Desert Boot Made in Italy Brown Suede Black textured rubber sole Black leather laces Padded heel collar Black grommets or laces Excellent like new condition; Preloved wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
- Bottega Veneta Pink Padded Leather MulesBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CAPink padded leather mules by Bottega Veneta Made in Italy Mule heels Solid pink Quilted Slide-on Square toe Material: 100% lambskin; 100% lambskin lining Rubber-injected leather ou...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Bottega Veneta Red Padded Leather MulesBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CARed padded leather mules by Bottega Veneta Made in Italy Mule heels Solid red Quilted Slide-on Square toe Material: 100% lambskin; 100% lambskin lining Rubber-injected leather outs...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Ball Heel Sandals (Circa 1990s)By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CABall heel sandals by Yves Saint Laurent Circa 1990's Made in Italy Black satin toe strap Black leather insole Ball heel covered in crystals Wooden sole Great vintage condition...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 sculptural snakeskin heels Size 7By Alexander McQueenLocated in Malibu, CAFrom the Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Runway Show Cream colored snakeskin shoe that lace up all the way Heel Height 6" Condition: - soles have normal wear for being pre owned - very ...Category
2010s Heels
- Courman Paris Bridal Shoes Boots White Leather 90sLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLVery rare vintage bridal boots shoes from Courman a renowned bridal boutique in Paris from the 1980s at that time situated at Palais des Congres. If you love them, you love them!Category
1980s French Boots
$184 Sale Price24% Off - Vintage 90s I Cavallin Over the Knee Leather Black Boots size IT 40Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLUnique 90s Cavallin Overknee Black Soft Leather Boots. Wow-effect! Vintage Italian over-the-knee boots are sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. They are often conside...Category
1990s Italian Boots
$326 Sale Price40% Off - Dolce & Gabbana D&G Leopard Ankle Boots LeatherBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLGorgeous and very rare 100% authentic D&G Leopard Ankle Boots size 41 made from 91% ponyskin. A leather bottom sole. A pointed toe. A side zipper w...Category
Early 2000s Italian Boots
- Christian Dior 90s Boutique Black Satin PumpsBy Christian DiorLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLThese exceptional unique CD Boutique pumps size 39,5 were typically crafted from luxurious satin fabric. Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric known for its sheen and soft texture, making it a popular choice for evening and special occasion footwear. Christian Dior is a prestigious French fashion house founded by Christian Dior in 1946. In the 1990s, Christian Dior created a range of pumps that were popular during that era, including satin pumps that captured the essence of '90s fashion. Christian Dior's pumps from this era often featured a classic and timeless silhouette and elegant design that was both feminine and sophisticated. Embellishments: Some of these pumps may have featured embellishments such as bows, crystal details, or Dior's signature logo. The embellishments added a touch of glamour and luxury to the shoes. Limited Availability: Vintage Christian Dior pumps...Category
1990s French Low Heels
- ROBERTO CAVALLI Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection BOOTSBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Алматинский Почтамт, KZROBERTO CAVALLI Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection BOOTS Black patent leather boots with high heels and platform . Roberto Cavalli shoes with an open toe, nylon trim and a zipper at ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoes
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.
The Stories behind the Most Famous Luxury Fashion Logos
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.