Known for directing an Oscar-nominated film A Single Man, Tom Ford is an American director and fashion brand with an estimated net worth of $70 million.
Born as Thomas Carlyle Ford on August 27, 1961 in Austin Texas, Tom Ford is a graduate of architecture at Parsons The New School for Design. While studying in New York, he realized that he was gay and his appearance on clubs that feature disco-era glamor inspired his designs later on. After graduation, Tom Ford was hired as a design assistant for the American designer Cathy Hardwick. After two years, he left to work for Perry Ellis. Unfortunately, he didn't last long with Perry Ellis as he realized that he wouldn't become a better designer if he sticks with American fashion. He sought to pursue a job in European fashion because he believed that Europeans know how to appreciate style.
In 1990, he was hired by Gucci as its chief women's ready-to-wear designer. When the design director left in 1992, he replaced his post. He then led the brand's store, advertising, image, ready to wear designs and fragrances. Subsequently, he became the brand's Creative Director. Undeniably, Tom Ford has created a major turnabout in the fate of Gucci. When he entered the company, the brand was almost bankrupt and its value was estimated to be around $4.3 billion. When he left the company in 2004, its value was around $10 billion. When the brand acquired Yves Saint Lauren, he was appointed to become the brand's creative director.
A well known gay, Tom Ford is currently in a relationship with his long time partner Richard Buckley. In September 2012, it was reported that the couple had a son named Alexander John Buckley Ford.