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October 3, 2005
Tom Ford Keeps It Real
The man responsible for the revival of the ailing italian fashion house of Gucci recently came out of the shadows and spoke about how the fashion industry is wrong. He believes the constant demand for change is leaving customers bewildered and many have simply given up on trying to wear the latest and greatest and instead have retreated to a world of casual clothing.
"Fashion would be more appealing to consumers if it didn't change too quickly. The demand for change has put an enormous strain on the business and caused artificial changes in styles and that is why so many people have rejected fashion and walk around in t-shirts and comfortable pants."
His comments have amazed and shocked the fashion world, many of whom believe the pace of fashion is precisely what drives the industry.
For the uninitiated, Tom Ford ruled Gucci for 10 years until one day he abruptly announced he was leaving. He reinvigorated the profits of the Gucci Group so many were left wondering why he would leave during the height of his rein. He later explains that during the last few years, board members had become concerned over the pull and influence he had within the company and attempted to usurp his power. Ford announced he was leaving because of "contractual disagreements."
Ironically Gucci hasn't had a run-a-way "hit" since. Although the group isn't floundering, it is fast becoming just another luxury label in a sea infested with competitors.
Regarding Tom's comments, I agree with him to a certain extent. Fashion does move too fast. Although the pace of "change" is what excites me about it, perhaps that speed is just "too fast" for the modern man and woman. Our daily lives demand that we dress and live comfortably. However if fashion were more accessible then it wouldn't really be "fashion". Part of fashion's lure is it's inaccessibility to the masses and the adoption by trendsetters before it reaches others. There is a cycle in the fashion industry of how trends birth and penetrate the markets. I think Tom was speaking more on how in fashion's efforts to stay ahead, it sometimes comes up with gimmicks as trends. If this were to continue, we'll never have another fashion revolution such as the woman wearing pants, or Dior's new look. It's been awhile and long over due. Besides, any man that can pose like that with two naked male models has got to be right.
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