Store and collection to now launch in early spring

It’s going to be next spring before Tom Ford’s legion of fashion-forward fans will be able to procure something from his eponymous collections.

Ford’s spokeswoman cited permit delays as the reason for the revised store opening. “We have completed demolition,” she said. “Due to the construction lead time necessary in order to obtain a high level of craftsmanship and to execute the project as designed, we’re facing a longer construction period than originally contemplated. We will be opening and launching the collection is early spring.”

As The Daily first reported in February, Ford’s original plans had him debuting the 9,600-sq. ft. store at 845 Madison Avenue this November. The store is now expected to bow early next spring, followed by locations in Los Angeles, Milan, London, and Tokyo. Ford’s plans to open a 6,000-sq. ft. showroom in Milan on Via Borgonuovo 24 in January remain on track.

What makes Ford’s first foray into signature retail complicated and time sensitive is that the opening of his store is directly linked with the launch of his menswear brand. That said, Ford’s collection of accessories and ready-to-wear and made-to-measure lines—all to be produced and distributed by Ermenegildo Zegna—will present as part of the spring and fall 2007 merchandise instead of the originally billed holiday offerings.

JIM SHI

Source: Fashionweekdaily.com