Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Runway and Ford Book Dress, 2003
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130414196301
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Alexander McQueen 2009 Futuristic Crystalized Print Sheath Dress -newBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Los Angeles, CAAlexander Mcqueen's Spring 2009 collection showcases the romantic, ethereal and purist side of the designer in his effort to send his message regarding the evolution of the world in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sheath Dresses
- Maison Margiela Gold Kimono Inspired Artwork Bias Mixed Media Dress Gown NewBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in Los Angeles, CAMaison Margiela by John Galliano mixed media kimono inspired print gown. Bodice fashioned of mustard scuba fabric with narrow asymmetric peplum at waist. Extends into gold silk...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Vionnet "Dahlia" Flowing Silk Chiffon Embroidered Runway Caftan Dress GownBy VionnetLocated in Los Angeles, CAVionnet "Dahlia" soft peach silk "V" neck caftan dress with separate nude spaghetti strap slip. Handkerchief hemline. Multi color hand applied tiny raised pieces create a floral mot...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caftans
- Gorgeous Gucci Eye Catching Floral Boho Chic DressBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAGucci's Fall 2016 runway show was an exhibition in itself. Alessandro Michele delivered a palette rich in lavish embroideries, fine fabric, and masterful designs. Michele has bee...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress GownBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Los Angeles, CAAlexander McQueen entrance maker gold metallic gown. Fashioned of a neutral shimmering gold metallic animal print showered with sparkling crystal ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Alexander McQueen Rare Runway Caftan Dress NWTBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Los Angeles, CAAlexander McQueen caftan style dress designed by Sarah Burton in her debut s/s 2011 collection for the brand. Empire style fashioned of silk chiffon in warm shades of muted gold w...Category
2010s Evening Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Vintage 1930's Gold Silk Lamé & Beadwork Gown UK 10 US 6Located in Cheltenham, GBThis truly magnificent 1930's gold silk lamé dress, embellished with trailing gunmetal grey and silver beadwork, is a phenomenal piece to add to your e...Category1930s Evening Gowns
Chanel Chiffon Full Length Abstract Print Runway Dress 06P 2006By ChanelLocated in Merced, CAChanel full length dress from Chanel Spring 2006 collection. It is adorned with Chanel interlocking CC logo buttons and abstract print throughout an...Category20th Century French Summer Dresses
Jean Paul Gaultier S1999 Graffiti Goddess Venus Nude Trompe L'oeil Runway DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier S1999 RTW “Graffiti Goddess” Sculpture Runway Venus Trompe L'oeil Graffiti Optical Illusion Maxi Dress A holy grail of Gaultier, the famous “Graffiti Goddess” dress...Category1990s European Evening Dresses