Haute 100 New York Update: Tom Ford

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. On our Haute 100 New York list is Tom Ford, the fashion designer turned filmmaker who put on a awe-worthy show during New York Fashion Week.

Tom Ford

Category: Designers

Company: Tom Ford

Industry: Fashion

What Made Him Haute: Formerly the creative director of Gucci, he now heads Tom Ford Fragrances and a dapper menswear line, all of which are housed in his famed Madison Avenue boutique. He is credited with turning the almost-bankrupt Gucci house into an empire valued at $4.3 billion upon his departure. He was named Menswear Designer of the Year in 2008 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

What Makes Him Haute Now: As a celebrated fashion designer, and, more recently, a filmmaker who adapted Christopher Isherwood’s novel A Single Man, Tom Ford’s entrepreneurial spirits have allowed him to rack up numerous accomplishments in his career. Recently, Ford was chosen as the GLBT’s history month icon of the month for his worldwide acclaim.

During New York Fashion Week, Ford made a glamorous comeback by presenting his first women’s show in six years inspired by friends and muses. Ford provided narration as the models strutted down the runway; Farida Khelfa, a top model from the 1980s, was the first to walk out in an ivory gown. A surprise appearance by Beyonce Knowles was another highlight of the night; the singer and actress wore a silver and gold dress designer by Ford. The style of the collection referenced the ’20s and included other big names such as Julianne Moore, Daphne Guinness, Amber Valletta and Liya Kebede.