Will Tom Ford's Surprise 'Final Collection' Be His Last?
What will the esteemed designer do next?
Tom Ford's era at his eponymous brand has come to a close. On Wednesday, the esteemed American designer dropped a surprise "final collection" - according to a press release - lensed by photographer Steven Klein in the form of three short videos.
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Posted on Ford's official Instagram account, the videos feature Amber Valletta, Karlie Kloss, Karen Elson, and Joan Smalls wearing his archival designs. These videos offer a captivating glimpse into the beauty of Ford's collections, a beauty that is embodied both in the brand's designs and models' performances.
The designer himself wears his trademark dark suit, white shirt, and black sunglasses throughout the videos. He strides confidently through the darkness, pausing occasionally to contemplate, ensuring his vision is communicated clearly.
At any rate, that seems to be the message conveyed in the final video, a lament over the changing role of what it means to be a designer in the fashion industry, with the designer removed, watching the scene unfold in its own cage, no longer interested in participating. Amber Valletta is left in tears as Karen Elson sings an aria. Ford appears to be thinking about the end of the world, or perhaps the end of his dream of it, in his requiem. There's no sign of happiness behind the glass; instead, the models appear upset and agitated, with loads of pent-up rage.
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Mr. Ford, parent company Estée Lauder and Zegna, which licenses Tom Ford's men's and women's ready-to-wear lines, have all remained silent on the issue, refusing to provide any comment or statement in support of the videos.
Ford's position has been rumoured to go to Peter Hawkings, who has worked for him for many years. However, no official announcement has been made.