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Tom Ford: The Fashion Genie by Aparajita Jaiswal Tom Ford: The Fashion Genie 1 May 2021 FASHION Advertisement Among many of our favourite luxury brand designers, Thomas Carlyle Ford, an American fashion designer and filmmaker, is truly one of the most inspiring and looked upon creators of fashion. He launched his eponymous luxury brand in 2006, having previously served as the creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Ford currently also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Tom Ford had quite the journey, figuring out his interests. At age 16, he enrolled at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, but quickly dropped out. He moved to New York City to study art history at New York University where he met Ian Falconer, who took him to Studio 54 for the first time, spiking his interest in acting and directing. Ford dropped out after a year, focusing on acting in television commercials. Ford began studying interior architecture at The New School’s art and design college, Parsons, in New York City. He kept visiting Studio 54, where he realized he was gay. The club’s disco-era glamor ended up being a major influence on his later designs. Before his last year at New School, Ford spent a year and a half in Paris, where he worked as an intern in Chloé’s press office, inspiring his interest in fashion. He spent his final year at The New School studying fashion, but graduated with a degree in architecture. In an interview with The New York Times, Ford said, “If I was ever going to become a good designer, I had to leave America. My own culture was inhibiting me. Too much style in America is tacky. It’s looked down upon to be too stylish. Europeans, however, appreciate style.” At the time, Italian fashion house Gucci was struggling financially and was seeking to strengthen its women’s ready-to-wear presence as a part of a brand overhaul. The company’s creative director, Dawn Mello hired Ford as the brand’s chief women’s ready-to-wear designer in 1990 and Ford moved to Milan. “I was talking to a lot of people, and most didn’t want the job,” Mello said. “For an American designer to move to Italy to join a company that was far from being a brand would have been pretty risky.” Ford’s role at Gucci rapidly expanded; he was designing menswear within six months, and shoes soon after that. He also took over Richard Lambertson left as design director in 1992, heading the brand’s ready-to-wear, fragrances, image, advertising, and store design. In 1993, when he was in charge of designing eleven product lines, Ford worked eighteen-hour days. Although there were creative tensions between Ford and Maurizio Gucci, the company’s chairman and 50% owner, inspiring Maurizio Gucci wanted to fire Ford, Domenico De Sole insisted that he remain. Nonetheless, Ford’s work during the early 1990s was primarily behind the scenes; his contributions to Gucci were overshadowed by those of Mello, who was the company’s public face. In 1994, Ford was promoted to Creative Director of Gucci. By 1999, the house, which had been almost bankrupt when Ford joined, was valued at more than $4 billion. When Gucci acquired the house of Yves Saint Laurent in 1999, Ford was named Creative Director of that label as well. In April 2004, Ford parted ways with the Gucci group after he and CEO Domenico de Sole, who is credited as Ford’s partner in Gucci’s success, failed to agree with Pinault Printemps Redoute’s boss over control of the Group. He has since referred to this experience as “devastating” and as a “midlife crisis” because he had “put everything into that for fifteen years”. When Ford left in 2004, Gucci Group was valued at $10 billion, hiring four individuals to split the work Ford had done. After leaving Gucci, Ford launched a line of menswear, beauty, eyewear, and accessories in 2006, named after himself, “Tom Ford”. De Sole became chairman of the label. Ford has described “the Tom Ford customer” as international, cultured, well-traveled, and possessing disposable income. For women, he added “strong and intelligent women who know their own style”. From the time we’re born until we die, we’re kept busy with artificial stuff that isn’t important. Tom Ford First Lady Michelle Obama wore an ivory floor-length evening gown designed by Ford to Buckingham Palace in 2011. He has also dressed Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Daniel Craig, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Ryan Gosling, Will Smith, Julianne Moore, Hugh Jackman, Jon Hamm, and Henry Cavill. Ford designed Daniel Craig’s suits for his last three James Bond films: Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. Jay Z released a song titled “Tom Ford” with “Tom Ford” rapped numerous times within the song. Ford responded that he was flattered and “it means that one has really penetrated and made an impact on popular culture.” Following the song’s release, Ford received a huge spike in online search engine queries. Ford has been called a “fashion icon” and a “style icon” and he was included in “All-TIME 100 Fashion Icons” list. Ford has been included in several best-dressed lists, such as International Best Dressed List,The Guardian’s “The 50 best-dressed over-50s”, and British GQ’s “50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015”. He was featured on the cover of the 2011 spring/summer issue of Another Man, giving his opinion on what makes the modern day gentleman. He won several awards including several VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards and Council of Fashion Designers of America. Ford is known for sexy clothes, making provocative statements, and creating racy advertisements. Ford’s designs convey a “sophisticated sex appeal” and he has been credited for “bringing sexy back”. His advertisement campaigns have drawn controversy for use of nudity and “provocative sexual imagery”. Ford is also known to pose with celebrities and models in his ad campaigns. Ford is not only a designer but also a creative artist. Ford directed the Academy Award-nominated films A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals. In March 2005, Ford announced the launch of his film production company, Fade to Black. In 2009 he made his directorial debut with A Single Man, based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. The drama stars Colin Firth as an LA-based, gay college professor, alongside Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult and Matthew Goode. The novel was adapted by David Scearce and Ford; Ford was also one of the producers. In 2015, Ford became attached to direct Nocturnal Animals, an adaptation of the Austin Wright novel Tony and Susan. The film was released in 2016. Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams played the lead roles of Tony and Susan. Michael Shannon, Armie Hammer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Isla Fisher co-starred in the film. The film received praise from critics, as well as winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. SEARCH The Rich Heritage of Indian Handloom FASHION Fashion In The 19th Century FASHION Colour Psychology in Fashion: Explained FASHION The Influence Of Kanye West On Fashion FASHION K-Pop Fashion And Its Impact On Global Wardrobe FASHION POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape AiSPi Wanderlust Diaries: Marzook, L’Afshar, And A Fashion Bender In Mumbai 25 April 2025 FASHION By Anushka Uniyal Kiyaan Silver: Timeless Jewellery For Every Woman 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra The Shoe Faktory Success Story: Ishpreet Singh Gujral’s Bold Business Leap 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra From Reality TV To Real Success: Nibedita Paal’s Inspiring Story 27 March 2025 FASHION RELATED POSTS

Breaking Boundaries: Monalisa Hazarika’s Journey To Mrs. India Inc By Sakshi Batra Breaking Boundaries: Monalisa Hazarika’s Journey To Mrs. India Inc 29 December 2024 FASHION Advertisement What happens when a woman decides to defy conventions and chase her dreams fearlessly? She becomes a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a symbol of empowerment. Monalisa Hazarika’s story is one such tale - A journey of grit, grace, and a relentless pursuit of breaking barriers. From a dreamer to a proud participant in Mrs. India , she has transformed not just her life but also the way society views women’s aspirations. Today, as a proud participant in Mrs. India, Monalisa’s journey is an inspiration to all those who dare to dream big. Empowering Women To Break Stereotypes Monalisa firmly believes that the world of beauty pageants has evolved and is no longer constricted to the stereotypical image of a woman . Women who participate in pageants are here to do so on their own terms. We are not just about beauty; we’re about brains, vision, and the ability to lead says Monalisa. “Pageants are, in fact, one of the biggest platforms for women to break the shackles of outdated stereotypes. It’s about time we celebrate every facet of a woman - the strengths, the flaws, the dreams, and the ambitions.” This powerful statement not only reflects Monalisa’s personal perspective but also challenges us to rethink the traditional narratives surrounding beauty and womanhood. For her, being a part of Mrs. India is about amplifying her voice, sharing her vision with the world, and inspiring women everywhere to believe in their potential. Support That Speaks Louder Than Words Entering a world as glamorous as fashion and beauty pageants is no easy feat. Yet, Monalisa’s journey has been paved with unwavering support from her family and partner. I’m one of the luckiest women to have such a supportive family she shares with a smile. “It was my mother-in-law who encouraged me to go ahead with this. And of course, my parents, my sister, my husband, and my kids have been my biggest pillars of strength.” Monalisa’s story reminds us that behind every successful woman is a network of support, encouragement, and love. It’s this collective strength that fuels her passion and drives her to keep pushing forward. Finding Strength In Challenges When asked about her favorite round in the pageant, Monalisa’s response is both inspiring and empowering. My favorite rounds were the panel interview and the top 15 Q&A she reveals. “It was here that I got to speak of my vision and mission in life, and this became my biggest platform to voice my opinion in front of such a large audience.” For Monalisa, the most rewarding aspect of her journey has been the opportunity to express her thoughts and dreams on a national stage. And it hasn’t always been easy . There have been moments when I felt hopeless,” she admits. “But I always made sure I got back to my confident and zealous self. Her story is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t come without challenges. But with consistency, hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. Comforting Food Despite the glamour and glitz of beauty pageants, Monalisa remains grounded. On a cheat day, my comfort food is always Biryani she laughs, adding a relatable touch to her powerful persona. It’s this down-to-earth nature that makes her even more admirable - A reminder that at the heart of every strong woman is a human being with simple joys and passions. If Monalisa Was A Judge? As a judge or curator, Monalisa would introduce a round that’s deeply personal: the All About Me round. “Here, a contestant would get to talk about herself - her story, her struggles, and her journey,” she explains. This round would be all about self-expression, with no questions or expectations from the judges. It’s a chance for every woman to be heard. Monalisa believes in authenticity, whether it’s in beauty or fashion . When something is overdone, it loses its charm she says. I believe in keeping it simple and staying true to yourself. Fashion should reflect who you are, not what others want you to be. This philosophy is part of what makes Monalisa’s outlook on fashion so refreshing. For her, it’s not about following trends, but rather about embracing individuality and personal style. Timeless Fashion: A Nod To The Past Fashion, as Monalisa puts it, always comes full circle . Fashion is cyclical. What’s old always comes back, whether it’s bell-bottom jeans or other styles from past generations she observes. And that’s the beauty of fashion—it can never be off permanently. Monalisa’s view on fashion is a reminder that trends are ever evolving, and there’s always room for creativity and reinvention. It’s about making the past relevant to the present and embracing your own unique version of style. The Legacy Of Mrs. India: A Platform For Empowerment As Monalisa’s journey unfolds, it’s clear that Mrs. India has not only been a platform for beauty but for empowerment. It’s about showcasing the true essence of a woman - her strength, her intelligence, her grace, and her resilience. Her story serves as an invitation to all women: dare to dream, be bold, embrace your individuality, and rise above challenges. Because when you have the courage to follow your passion, there are no limits to what you can achieve. SEARCH The Rich Heritage of Indian Handloom FASHION Fashion In The 19th Century FASHION Colour Psychology in Fashion: Explained FASHION The Influence Of Kanye West On Fashion FASHION K-Pop Fashion And Its Impact On Global Wardrobe FASHION POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape AiSPi Wanderlust Diaries: Marzook, L’Afshar, And A Fashion Bender In Mumbai 25 April 2025 FASHION By Anushka Uniyal Kiyaan Silver: Timeless Jewellery For Every Woman 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra The Shoe Faktory Success Story: Ishpreet Singh Gujral’s Bold Business Leap 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra From Reality TV To Real Success: Nibedita Paal’s Inspiring Story 27 March 2025 FASHION RELATED POSTS

10 Era-Defining Fashion Icons In Music by Himanshi Sharma 10 Era-Defining Fashion Icons In Music 14 February 2023 FASHION Advertisement Take a look at the most fashionable artists over the past three decades Most trends start on the edge of a guitar string of one famous musician that every single one of their fans want to be like. Here are some such influential icons in the music industry. The Ramones (70s) The Ramones were the first of many bands that originated the alternate genre of punk music. The musicians didn’t bother to dress the part, which at that period was full of pomp and glamour. They rather that they stuck to their frayed jeans, leather jackets and shaggy hair. Little did they know that they had begun the bad boy rockstar aesthetic. Elvis Presley (70s) The King of Rock ’n’ Roll wasn’t only know for his grooves. Elvis Presley was known for many things starting from his slick pompadour which many guys of that time strived to imitate to wearing eyeliner however it was his rhinestone studded pantsuits which were the epitome of fashion, courtesy of Bill Belew, that has influenced many styles that came about till date. Freddie Mercury and Queen (70s and 80s) The trail of flamboyance continued from Elvis’s time with the coming of the British band Queen and their main man, Freddie Mercury who brought about the prevalence of androgyny in fashion. Starting with bell bottoms and dark bobs, Mercury later went on to experiment more with fashion with more bright tight fitting bodysuits and over the top jackets. His signature moustache was only a welcome addition in his later years. Michael Jackson (70s to 90s) The ‘Thriller’ singer was the one to put fedoras, single handed gloves, studded jackets and many more on the map during the peak of 90s. Jackson acted true to his words as mentioned in his autobiography ‘Moonwalk’ “If fashion says it’s forbidden, I’m going to do it,” And he sure found a way to make it fabulous too. Madonna (80s and 90s) There wasn’t a time in 1900s when Pop Queen Madonna was not totally iconic. She cut the right balance between punk and gorgeous with her lacy corsets paired with messy jumbles of pearls and her frizzy blonde hair. One of her most notable looks comes from her song ‘Material Girl’, embodying Marilyn Monroe perfectly in her own quintessential manner. Spice Girls (late 90s) The Spice Girls represented the fashion trends that were going around in the late 90s. Geri’s Union Jack dress, Mel C original athleisure looks, Emma’s pigtails, Victoria’s black fits and Mel B’s animal prints all perfectly sum up the era and boomed into the early 2000s as well. Britney Spears (late 90s and 2000s) Britney dominated the fashion game in the 2000s. ‘Hit me Baby One More Time’ gave rise to tied up shirts and sports bras. Young pop stars nowadays still try to emulate Britney in any way possible. Really, no one could make a huge yellow Boa python around the neck stylish the way she did, though. Jennifer Lopez (2000s) Jennifer Lopez is still making fashion statements well into 2023 but if we can’t go without mentioning that one dress that made fashion history which is the famous green Versace dress she wore at Grammys which was so iconic it was revived back in 2020. Harry Styles (2010s) Harry Styles joins the ranks of Elvis and Freddie Mercury, having transcended the boundaries of fashion. Shedding his boy band days image, Styles had went on to create a style of his own, which went beyond all gender norms and stereotypes. BTS (2010s) BTS has changed the footnotes of fashion for a whole new generation, not just in one nation but all over the world. They have totally redefined the standards of masculinity, sending shockwaves across current trends. With their popularity, ‘self expression’ has taken new roots in our society. #Musicons #Fashionstars #Rockstar style #Fashioninpop #Genderbender SEARCH The Rich Heritage of Indian Handloom FASHION Fashion In The 19th Century FASHION Colour Psychology in Fashion: Explained FASHION The Influence Of Kanye West On Fashion FASHION K-Pop Fashion And Its Impact On Global Wardrobe FASHION POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape AiSPi Wanderlust Diaries: Marzook, L’Afshar, And A Fashion Bender In Mumbai 25 April 2025 FASHION By Anushka Uniyal Kiyaan Silver: Timeless Jewellery For Every Woman 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra The Shoe Faktory Success Story: Ishpreet Singh Gujral’s Bold Business Leap 27 March 2025 FASHION By Sakshi Batra From Reality TV To Real Success: Nibedita Paal’s Inspiring Story 27 March 2025 FASHION RELATED POSTS