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 F/W 2004 Runway Black Velvet and Silk Satin Wrap Heels
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
Gucci by Tom Ford black velvet and silk satin heels from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, presented on the runway. Designed with a rounded closed toe, slim platform and high velvet-c...
Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Black Leather Runway Heels Size 37
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2002 Runway Heels — Black Leather with Grosgrain Wrap Ties An exceptional pair of Tom Ford for Gucci runway heels from the Fall/Winter 2002 collectio...
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2002 Runway & Campaign Heels, Size 40
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
A striking and highly collectible pair of Gucci heels from the iconic Fall/Winter 2002 runway and campaign, designed by Gucci by Tom Ford. These sculptural sandals perfectly capture ...
Gucci by Frida Giannini SS2010 Black Leather & Suede Cage Heels Sandals EU 39
By Gucci, Frida Giannini
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare Gucci by Frida Giannini black leather and suede cage sandals from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. This striking architectural design reflects the strong futuristic aesthetic...
Gucci by Tom Ford GG Medallion Lace-Up Sandals, Spring/Summer 2000–2001 Size 36C
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
An iconic pair of strappy leather sandals from Tom Ford’s celebrated tenure at Gucci, dating to the early 2000s—a defining moment of the house’s sensual, minimalist reinvention. Cra...
Tom Ford for Gucci Fall/Winter 2004 Runway Purple Velvet Platform Heels US 7 1/2
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
A rare runway pair from Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2004 collection for Gucci, one of the most iconic seasons of his tenure at the house. These heels embody the unmistakable sensuality an...
Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2004 Mink Trim Python Heel Black Shoes It 39 C - US 9 C
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Tom Ford for Gucci Black Mink Trim Shoes Heels AD Campaign Runway "Farewell" Collection F/W 2004 Italian size 39 C - US 9 C Piece of Fashion History - Every Model wore these Heel...
Gucci Tom Ford 2004 Runway Velvet Mink Ankle Tie Heels US 6.5 Y2K
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Gucci Fall 2004 runway heels designed by Tom Ford. This rare archival pair features black velvet uppers, dramatic satin ankle-wrap ties, and ...
Gucci Tom Ford Y2K Satin Tie Black Suede Embroidered Heels with Box, Size 8B
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
A rare archival pair from the Tom Ford era at Gucci, these vintage satin tie heels feature black suede and satin uppers with intricate silver floral embroidery across the toe strap and heel counter. Designed with an open toe, sleek 4" stiletto heel, and elegant ankle-wrap satin ribbons, these shoes embody early 2000s glamour and craftsmanship. Made in Italy and marked size 8B (US 8), they offer a secure fit and timeless silhouette. Includes the original Gucci box with matching style code and labels. Condition is good with light sole wear and minor insole creasing. Embroidery remains crisp and ribbons are structurally sound. Ideal for collectors, red carpet events, fashion styling, or anyone seeking a true Y2K luxury heel with designer provenance and iconic detailing. Keywords: gucci satin heels, tom ford gucci shoes, y2k designer heels, vintage gucci 8B, black tie stiletto sandals, gucci embroidered heels, wrap ankle heels, luxury party shoes, gucci archive, gucci spring 2000s, wedding heels, red carpet shoes, rare gucci find, tiktok fashion, gucci tom ford heels, vintage gucci sandals...
Gucci Tom Ford FW 2000 Runway Black Suede Kitten Slingback Heels 36.5
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black suede kitten heel slingback pumps from the Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2000 runway era, featuring a pointed toe, gold jewel embellishment and low heel. These vintage Gucci women...
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Mink Crystals Snake Leather Platform Shoes Sandals 6 B
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Fur Mink Sandals F/W 2004 Collection Designer Size 6B Crystal Embellished Wrap Style Ankle Shoes 100% Real Mink Snakeskin Heel - 4.0 inches Leather Platform ...
New Tom Ford For Gucci Black Velvet Satin Final Collection Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Stunning in Black Satin and Velvet * Rare Tom Ford's Farwell Collection * Satin Ankle Strap * Leather Insole * Size: 10 *Velvet Heel * 5" Heel * ....
