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.
$5,900
H 5.52 in W 14.97 in D 1.58 in L 11.82 in
Gucci Vintage Tom Ford 2003 Black Python Horsebit Shoulder Bag Unisex
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
This authentic Gucci by Tom Ford FW 2003 Horsebit Python Chain Shoulder Bag is crafted in black python with contrasting burgundy leather trim and antique gold-tone hardware. Dating t...
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Genuine Snakeskin Rhinestone Dragon Black Flap Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Tom Ford for his final collection as Gucci's creative director, this black snakeskin flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection is an ultra-luxurious must-have. A vers...
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Genuine Crocodile Black Rhinestone Dragon Flap Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Tom Ford for his final collection as Gucci's creative director, this black crocodile bag from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection is an ultra-luxurious must-have. Making its ...
Rare GUCCI by Tom Ford Black Monogram Beaded Crystal Lizard Bamboo Horsebit Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Limited Edition only sold in selected Gucci flagship stores Beautiful beaded jet black bag with lizard skin trimmings Famous Gucci...
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Python Skin Jeweled Dragon Bamboo Chain Shoulder Bag
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Limited Edition Runway Python Dragon Brooch Shoulder Bag F/W 2004 Runway Collection Elegant black python skin shoulder bag with gold-tone bamboo double chain shoul...
Gucci Tom Ford Embellished Black Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Gucci Tom Ford Embellished Black Clutch, a rare and luxurious piece that epitomizes sophistication and elegance. Crafted by the renowned designer Tom Ford during his tenure at Gucci, this black velvet clutch bag...
New Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2004 Limited Edition Black Crocodile Enamel Snake Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Tom Ford for Gucci Limited Edition Black Crocodile Bag S/S 2004 Collection Crafted from crocodile skin, Bronze tone metal frame, Enamel clam closure finished with a large bronze ...
1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Genuine Alligator Skin Glossy Black Flat Shoulder Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Tom Ford designed this stunning black alligator Gucci shoulder bag in 1998. This flat shoulder bag is constructed entirely of glossy black alligator skin. The bag features a flap closure, rectangular shape, adjustable shoulder strap, and silver-tone hardware. With the recent Gucci alligator bags...
GUCCI by Tom Ford 2003/4 Exotic Crocodile Skin Metallic Grey Horsebit Clutch Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Very rare collector's item from Gucci's exotic collection Designed by Tom Ford for Gucci in his last year 2003/2004 Fabulous gunmetal metallic grey exotic skins - no print! A truly classy, luxurious and elegant piece With light-gold hardware Golden horsebit detail Golden studs Exotic leather - no print! Detachable golden chain Fully lined One side pocket inside Made in Italy Leather tag...
GUCCI by Tom Ford Velvet GG Logo Exotic Lizard Skin Horsebit XXL Clutch Bag Y2K
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci by Tom Ford Evening Bag, from the early-mid 2000s Y Limited Edition only sold in selected Gucci flagship stores Beautiful eggplant velvet with the famous...
Vintage Gucci F/W 2004 Black Iridescent Python Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall Winter 2004 black clutch. Features embellished dragon centre with pearl centre, black snake body, satin black lining , gold shoulder chain and interior back po...
Gucci F/W 2004 Runway Mink Fur Dragon Pearl Black Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall Winter 2004 mink fur bag, as seen on the runway. Features mink fur body, detachable crystal chain, embellished gold dragon with pearl centre on front and magne...
Vintage Gucci 1995 Metallic Purple Python Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford for Gucci 1995 purple metallic python clutch - collectors item. Features signature horsebit gold detailing, python leather skin, Gucci branded magn...
Gucci Vintage 1955 Metallic Purple Lizard Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci 1955 metallic purple lizard clutch - collectors item. Features signature horsebit detailing, lizard leather skin, detachable chain strap with Gucci branded magnetic closure an...
Gucci Vintage By Tom Ford Nylon Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci brown nylon hobo bag. Features brown nylon fabric. Leather handle and silver hardware, small inner pocket. Fasten with a zip closure .In excellent...
Paco Rabanne Reedition Black Disco Disc Nano Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
A rare miniature Reedition from the Paco Rabanne revolutionary 1969 design, this nano bag is Crafted from black round disco discs and rings suspended from an elongated articulated ch...
