beauty and beauty: Tom Ford: Returning To Gucci To Reprise Role As Creative Director?

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Tom Ford: Returning To Gucci To Reprise Role…

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The creative director spent a decade redefining the Italian fashion house and transforming it into the powerhouse brand it is today, before his very public departure in 2004 — but a new report says the designer’s name is on the shortlist. Would you be happy if he returned to the Gucci?

Will Tom Ford reprise his role at Gucci, 11 years after leaving the brand? Although the fashion world would never imagine the day when Tom returned to take the helm, (once again), a new report published in Page Six claims that his name is on top of the shortlist of designers being considered to replace Frida Giannini after her early departure, which came a month before she was slated to exit the fashion house.

Tom Ford’s Gucci Return?

Tom’s work at Gucci was unprecedented — it was like everything he touched turned to gold, (and major dollar signs), during his 10-year stint, which spanned from 1994-2004. The designer breathed life into the Italian fashion house and under his direction business was booming, as he infused a sexy, glamorous and covetable edge into his designs. Controversial ad campaigns and Tom’s celeb fans clad in the collection also generated more buzz around the label, (which, prior to his arrival, was quite lackluster). His role also granted him creative control over Yves Saint Laurent, and his monopoly over the collections became a sore spot as time went on.

Why Tom Ford’s Return Seems Unlikely:

While Tom’s return might sound like a dream come true, the road back to the brand isn’t an easy one. After all, the designer’s departure played out quite publicly, as did the decline in the relationship between Tom and Francois-Henri Pinault. Along with creative differences, the fact that Tom had almost become bigger than the brand itself was an issue for the brand’s parent company.

So, aside from a sour exit, what else stands in the way of making our fashion dreams a reality? Since his departure, Tom has turned his focus into the success of his eponymous brand, which he founded in 2006 — and taking the helm at the Italian fashion house would certainly take a toll on his role at his very own label. The designer is also more focused on family these days, as he has a husband and a 2-year-old son at home. Tom was quite vocal regarding the demanding toll the creative director role took on him — a sentiment that is shared by many famous designers tasked with running an iconic fashion house, producing multiple collections a year and keeping up with the politics associated with the position.

Along with Tom, Hedi Slimane, Joseph Altuzarra and Riccardo Tisci are said to be in the running for the position.

With everything on the table, would he really consider reprising his role? Sure, it seems very unlikely, but never say never. We all know the fashion world loves a great comeback story — and Tom’s resurrection might be just what Gucci needs, (even if it never happens).

What do you make of the latest rumors surrounding the label?

Katrina Mitzeliotis