Fashion icon Tom Ford is bringing his sexy star power to Madison Ave., with his first retail store slated to debut in late fall.Ford and business partner Domenico De Sole, who took the Gucci brand from the brink of extinction to the height of 1990s chic, are planning a three-story emporium of all things Tom: menswear, shoes, eyewear, accessories, fragrance and even beauty products.
Ford will be joining familiar company when he moves into the toniest shopping strips in the world. He’ll be across the street from former employer Gucci and next door to Yves Saint Laurent, where he also once served as creative director.
The nearly 10,000 square-foot space will also share the block with the retail storefronts of designer labels like Sonia Rykiel, Prada and Chloe.
Tom Ford chairman De Sole expects the store to appeal to a wide swath of age groups.
“New York is an incredibly important location for the luxury business, and I think there’s a great customer base,” he said.
The company will debut the Tom Ford label exclusively in the Madison Ave. shop and then distribute it to select high-end department stores next year.
Ford caused a stir in the fashion world in 2004 when he left Gucci after a high-profile breakup with the design house’s new owner to pursue a career in film.
Last spring, though, the designer announced a return to fashion with a signature ready-to-wear men’s line.
Ford also recently turned up the heat on his already sizzling image by posing on the cover of Vanity Fair with a nude Scarlett Johannson and Keira Knightley. He was clothed.
The clothing line, which will be produced by European manufacturer Ermenegildo Zegna, is expected to cater to a high-end clientele, with a men’s suit fetching upwards of $2,000.
Source: DAILY NEWS BUSINESS