GUCCI by TOM FORD 4 Purple Silk Velvet Fall 2004 Final Collection Skirt Suit
View Similar Items
GUCCI by TOM FORD 4 Purple Silk Velvet Fall 2004 Final Collection Skirt Suit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 926951stDibs: LU16225374411
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 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.
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.
- CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Size 34 Black Solid Wool Peak Lapel TuxedoBy Calvin Klein CollectionLocated in San Francisco, CACALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION suit comes in a black wool material with a full liner and includes a single breasted, single button sport coat with a peak lapel and matching flat front tuxed...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trouser Pant Suits
- EMILIO PUCCI x TOMO KOIZUMI Size 2 White Ruffled Polyester Blend Tulle PlaysuitBy Emilio PucciLocated in San Francisco, CAEMILIO PUCCI x TOMO KOIZUMI body suit comes in a white ruffled tulle polyester blend with a full Emilio Pucci's Vetrate print satin lining featuring a arranged swirl tulle design, ho...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Size 34 Navy Black Wool Peak Lapel Tuxedo SuitBy Calvin Klein CollectionLocated in San Francisco, CACALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION suit comes in a navy & black wool with a full liner and includes a single breasted, double button sport coat with a peak lapel and matching flat front trouser...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trouser Pant Suits
- D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA Size 36 Khaki Navy Stripe Polyester Notch Lapel SuitBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in San Francisco, CAD&G by DOLCE & GABBANA suit comes in a khaki & navy stripe polyester blend with a full liner and includes a single breasted, single button sport coat with a peak lapel and matching f...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trouser Pant Suits
- EMPORIO ARMANI Size 36 Charcoal Wool Peak Lapel SuitBy EMPORIO ARMANILocated in San Francisco, CAEMPORIO ARMANI suit comes in a charcoal wool and includes a single breasted, single button sport coat with a peak lapel and matching flat front trousers. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trouser Pant Suits
- CORNELIANI Size 40 Grey Cream Pinstripe Virgin Wool Single Breasted SuitBy CORNELIANILocated in San Francisco, CACORNELIANI suit in a grey and cream pinstripe wool with a full liner and includes a single breasted, three button sport coat with notch lapel and matching flat front trousers.Very Go...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Trouser Pant Suits
- Judith Ann Creations Purple & Blue Beaded Sequin 2pc Dress with Bird DesignBy Judith Ann CreationsLocated in Portland, ORThis is a stunning beaded and sequin 2 piece dress from Judith Ann Creations. The outfit includes a gorgeous silk lined long sleeve blouse with a beautiful bird motif. and a silk lin...Category
1980s Indian Evening Dresses
- Richard Quinn Runway Duchess Satin & Silk Coat Dress EnsembleBy Richard QuinnLocated in Los Angeles, CAStunning purple bellflower coat with matching dress evening ensemble by Richard Quinn. Fashioned of duchess satin and silk illustrated in a painterly monet fabric. Coat is oversiz...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dress and Coat Ensembles
- S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Blue Purple Magma Print Wrap Blouse Skirt SetBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning purple lava print wrap around Gucci top set, designed by Tom Ford. The design debuted on the men's Spring/Summer 2001 runway and was used heavily in womenswear. This print was quite popular and a shirt in this pattern was even worn by Kim Cattrall...Category
Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits
- 1980s Bill Blass Off White Gown and Navy Lace Evening EnsembleBy Bill BlassLocated in Toronto, OntarioAbsolutely stunning 1980s Bill Blass two piece ensemble. The set features a simple and minimal long sleeve, crewneck off white silk gown with a breathtaking navy blue lace long unlined floor length coat. The navy contrasts so beautifully against the off white. The evening coat has a deep v neckline with a collar and a single snap button closure just under the bust. The overcoat has a slight A-line shape, and gently glides over the off white gown...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- SS/2017 VERSACE SILK BLUE PURPLE and GREEN RHINESTONE EMBELLISHED SKIRT Suit 38By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE Spring/Summer 2017 Silk Tee and Skirt Rhinestone embellished Back zipper on the tee Mesh lined skirt. Side zipper. Size 38 - US 2/4 Tee: armpit to armpit 17 1/2"...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirt Suits
$3,420 Sale Price38% Off - 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rich Purple Taffeta Ruffle Skirt SetBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBWell documented, this is an absolutely classic and desirable piece of Yves Saint Laurent evening wear dating from 1978-1983. The designer revisited this look several times during the 70s and 80s and we feel that this is quite possibly an early 80s piece. In a beautiful deep purple hue of silk taffeta, this set has some lavish design details and very generous amounts of fabric in the ruffle collar and deep cuffs. The floor length skirt is full and has an unusual asymmetric ruffle flounce so that no length is equal, juxtaposing the formal blouse element. These ensembles always look great tucked in or accompanied by an original YSL rope...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits
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.