Tom Ford Will Do Women's!!

Yes!!!
We were hoping this would come true!
About a month ago, we told you about rumors that Tom Ford was seeking a lot of financing to get back into designing womenswear.
Now, we are happy to report that the rumors are true! Tom verified rumors of his return to women’s clothing to WWD and confirmed that he and Domenico De Sole, Tom Ford International chairman and longtime businessness partner, have been on the difficult task of seeking financing. The designer hasn’t designed women’s wear since his Gucci and YSL days, sticking, instead, to men’s, accessories, and fragrance under his own label.
While we had heard that he and De Sole were seeking $50 million, Ford declined to confirm this rumor, saying only that, “Financing is extremely expensive right now, so if we find financing in the right situation, we’ll be able to start [the collection] soon. If we don’t, we may have to wait a while.”
Sources are reporting that the womenswear collection could launch as early as fall 2010, but Ford insists it all depends on when they get their financing. Once they do finally secure the money, Ford explains, “You know it will take me 18 months when I start, because [I have] to hire the team, find the factories, put everything together, and then get the stores ready so there’s a place for these clothes.”
Damn! That’s a lot to do in 18 months!
We don’t doubt that the multi-talented designer can make it happen though – with his gorgeous designs, his remarkably successful fashion career, and his new (likely successful) foray into film, there is seemingly nothing he can’t do.
The rest of the fashion industry is fledgling right now. Most labels trying to stay afloat in a time when even the wealthiest consumers aren’t shelling out for luxury, but Tom Ford is one brand that is still enjoying success. “Things are getting better every day in most places, so I’m optimistic,” said the designer.
De Sole added that they “have the advantage of being a younger brand that’s in a growing mode.” That certainly is an advantage in these times, especially if you’re seeking financing! Many companies seeking moolah are doing so to avoid tanking, not to create even more profit with a new endeavor. Christian Lacroix is one perfect example of this. Escada is another. And Ecko. You get the idea.
Ford’s success is due to his men’s wear label, which is thriving incredibly and outperforming nearly all competition. Additionally, his accessories and fragrances have also enjoyed considerable success. Basically everything the man touches turns to gold, and we know the women’s line will be no exception.
So now it’s just a waiting game until Ford gets the financing he wants and can start active work on the collection. And while we’re waiting impatiently with bated breath, Ford doesn’t mind sitting tight. “This is something that I plan on doing for the next 30 years of my life,” he says, “so If I have to wait another six months or so [to launch women’s], it’s OK.”
It’s not OK with us! Hope he gets financing soon!
[Image via WENN.]