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 by Tom Ford Black Lace Trim Modal Top, circa S/S 1999
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
Gucci by Tom Ford black modal lace-trim top, likely from the S/S 1999 collection. A refined example of Ford’s late-1990s aesthetic, combining soft sensuality with delicate lingerie-i...
Gucci by Tom Ford Spring/Summer 1998 Black Cut-Out Buckle Bikini Swimsuit Set M
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare Gucci by Tom Ford bikini from the Spring/Summer 1998 collection. Crafted in Italy from a smooth stretch nylon blend, the design features an asymmetric bandeau top connected by...
Tom Ford for Gucci Vintage Fall/Winter 2001 Lava Print Top Size M
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare and highly collectible piece from Gucci by Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this lava print top perfectly encapsulates the designer’s magnetic vision of early-2000s gla...
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1999 Runway Silk Cut-Out Top with Leather Straps IT42
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
An iconic and highly collectible runway top from Gucci Spring/Summer 1999, designed by Tom Ford at the height of his transformative tenure. Documented on the S/S 1999 runway, this p...
Gucci by Tom Ford F/W 2005 Black Silk Chiffon Sheer Blouse IT40
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely rare Gucci by Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2005 sheer silk chiffon blouse, crafted in Italy and featured on the runway during one of Ford’s final and most celebrated collections fo...
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1997 Black Sheer Rayon GG-Clasp Top
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, DE
Black sheer rayon top from Gucci’s Spring/Summer 1997 collection under Tom Ford. Made from lightweight, finely knitted rayon, the top has an elongated, open-front silhouette with wi...
S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Rhinestone G Buckle Black Bra L
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gucci bra from the Spring/Summer 1998 collection by Tom Ford is cut in a molded underwire silhouette with adjustable shoulder straps. It is made from bl...
2000s Beaded Prada Bralette with Rhinestone Detail
By Prada
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Delicate and simple detailing elevates many of Prada’s collections. At times questioning the norms or a particular garment style, designer Miuccia Prada has frequently introduces layered ensembles and items reminiscent of lingerie which, according to Vogue, question the notion of seduction. From one of Prada’s mid-2000 collections, this pewter, silk bralette dons a gentle elegance in the detailing and the stitch work. The bra top possesses a generally angular neckline overlapping at the centre front. Across the bust and along the two straps beaded floral motifs with emerald, charcoal, and clear crystal beads that pop against the pewter fabric. At the bust graduated pointed arches are stitched to aestheticize the dart. Just under the bust, a lattice rhinestone and embroidered band sits. The pure emerald stones contrast the grey and clear stones that complement their pewter ground. This top sits high at bust level and can be paired easily with sheer or other layering pieces to construct an understated glam outfit. Size estimate: M Size: 42 IT / 8 US Width at bottom of hem: 28.5 inches and adjustable to 27.5 inches Length: 14 inches Cup size: approximately B/C In excellent condition, this Prada bralette...
Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2003 Bondage Studded Bra & Panty Lingerie 2 Piece Set
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2003 Bondage Studded Sheer Red Bra & Panty Lingerie 2 Piece Set Size M Please note this set hasn't been worn, however due to storage an...
S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Black Satin Crossover Bralette Top
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare black satin Gucci bralette designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this top debuted on the runway in Look 8, mod...
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1998 Logo Monogram Bra Bikini Dress Lingerie 3 Piece Set
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1998 Runway Logo Monogram Bra & Bikini & Sheer Mesh Mini Dress Lingerie 3 Piece Set Please note the bra and the dress are size S and the bikini is size M.
Versace Black Crystal Embellished Bra Top Spring 2020
By Versace
Located in London, GB
Stunning Versace black crystal embellished bralette or bra top from the Spring 2020 collection. As worn by Bella Hadid on the runway. Unworn. Made from soft black polyamide and elast...
