High-end Fashion Designer Tom Ford has lately been making  headlines, but this time for something other than his latest collection. Ford has made his film directorial debut with his new movie that seems to be gaining more and more praise from industry professionals. So there seems to be more to Tom Ford than meets the eye. Is the former creative director of Gucci  showing us that he really is a creative director? Film director, that is.

Fashion designer Tom Ford

An Art History major, Ford went into fashion like many seem to do: knowing the right people at the right time. The early 90’s was a time of change for the young designer, who was entering a big European fashion house, Gucci.  And it was during this moment that Gucci was looking to strengthen its women’s wear by making it their cornerstone.  But as Gucci was still somewhat vague and obscure, the fashion house definitely didn’t have a strong footing in the fashion business.

Tom Ford on the runway in 2001. Photo by Gruber/ Fashion Wire Daily

Following his position as menswear and shoe designer, Ford was soon promoted to creative director. As I was reading more on the talented designer, I came across an interesting article about his former role and success at Gucci. And as featured on Businessweek.com the period during which Tom Ford acted as the creative director of Gucci, he ”defined the brand’s sexy, edgy look throughout the decade and revitalized the label. Ford’s fitted, skin-baring designs, like this one from 2004, appealed to both consumers and fashion critics. During his tenure, Gucci’s overall sales increased from $230 million to almost $3 billion.” Not too shabby!

From his latest collection

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2010

Since leaving Gucci, Tom Ford started his own fashion house, ’Tom Ford’ with sleek and stylish menswear, shoes and accessories for both men and women. Very cool!

The best of the best. From Tom Ford's cool new collection

No doubt due to seeing success in he field of fashion as well as business, as it turned out, he went onto trying his hand at film directing. In 2009, he directed his first full-length movie, A Single Man, which was based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood.  The film which premiered at Venice International Film Festival was nominated for a Golden Lion. The film features acclaimed actors Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Colin Firth was recently awarded with the BAFTA award for his performance in the film, and he’s also been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and a Screen Actor’s Guild award.  Also Julianne Moore saw recognition for her performance in the film.

Tom Ford in the process of creating his latest masterpiece, A Single Man

So if you’re thinking what to do over the weekend, why not go and see how the fashion designer performs as a director? Let us know if you think his creativity works as well on screen as it does on the catwalk.