NEW Gucci by Tom Ford Spring 2003 Ruched Knitted Silk Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: No size tag, fits best US 6 / S (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:No size tag, fits best US 6, probably IT 40.
- Seller Location:Switzerland, CH
- Reference Number:
Tom Ford for Gucci
No one understands sex appeal quite like Tom Ford, who joined Gucci as a womens-wear designer in 1990.
At the time, the internationally renowned Italian label was better known for leather goods than luxury fashion. It was also nearly bankrupt. After creative director Dawn Mello left in 1994, following a Bahrain-based investment group becoming Gucci’s majority shareholder, Ford was named creative director. The American designer soon infused the brand with a fresh sensuality and bold style.
Ford's potent vision of sexed-up femininity spanned everything from shirts to shoes to handbags and other accessories at Gucci — he reimagined the house's iconic double-ring-and-bar Horsebit hardware, a reference to the brand’s equestrian history, as a seductive low-slung belt, worn by Madonna when accepting an MTV video music award in 1995. For his fall show during that year, in which Kate Moss walked down the runway in an unbuttoned satin shirt, velvet hip-huggers and tousled hair, heralded an exciting, glammed-up era for the once fusty brand. Vogue critic Sarah Mower called it “one of those hitting-in-the-solar-plexus moments.”
As Ford shot to fame, he continued to explore plunging necklines, such as in the black and white looks of the Fall 1996 collection, and sumptuous fabrics like leather and tweed, with the Fall 2000 ready-to-wear collection ranging from sultry silk evening dresses to plush belted coats.
Ford also cranked up the seduction in the provocative ads for Gucci, particularly with regard to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, which the fashion house acquired in 1999 (Ford was also named creative director for YSL and designed the brand’s ready-to-wear collection). Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 campaign featured Carolyn Murphy grasping Angela Lindvall in what looked like a video still; in another shot, a face pressed against a foot in a lipstick-red heel. Each promoted a vision of modern fashion where women were sexually confident, the materials were luxurious and the styles were fearless.
In 2004, Ford and Gucci president Domenico De Sole left the company after failing to agree on the renewal of their contracts. In 2006, with De Sole as chairman, Ford launched his wildly successful eponymous menswear label. Today Ford is also an author, film director and chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Find vintage Tom Ford Gucci day dresses, jackets and shoulder bags on 1stDibs.
Gucci
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: DXB, United Arab Emirates
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- NEW John Galliano Black Crochet Knit Ruched DressBy John GallianoLocated in Switzerland, CHAn extremely luxurious JOHN GALLIANO piece that will last you for years Made of soft black knitted fabric Ruched details Fully lined with black soft fabric Dry clean onlyCategory
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
- UNWORN Chanel Charcoal Grey Cashmere Blend Skirt Top Set Ensemble as Dress 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHBodyhugging signature cashmere blend ensemble by Chanel Set of 2 pieces - skirt & top So versatile - can be worn together for a dress-like style or combined with other items A timele...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Casual Dresses
- CHANEL Black Silk Crochet Knit Dress CC Star Logo Buttons 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHStunning black Chanel silk dress Wonderful patterned crochet knit Satin trimmings CC star logo buttons Concealed zip closure A timeless, perfect piece that i...Category
2010s French Day Dresses
- UNWORN Chanel "Little Black Dress" Knit Dress with Zipper Detail 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHA new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress Chanel signature dress that will last for many years 3D crochet knit skirt part With zipper detail both in fron...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses
- NEW Chanel Black Crochet Knit Cocktail Dress LBD 36By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHLovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years 3D crochet knit Two front pockets CC logo butt...Category
2010s French Mini Dresses
- NEW Chanel Black Crochet Knit Dress including Slip Dress 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHLovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years So versatile - dress it up with a slip dress for a formal yet seductive look and pair it with high heels or throw it over a swimsuit for a great casual look Wonderful crochet knit Closes with Chanel "CC" logo button on back Simply slips on Made in France Dry Clean Only Size 38 New & unworn Complete with slip dress, Chanel tags...Category
2010s French Informal Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Eggplant Pleated Taffeta and Lace Dress - 46 - 1980'sBy Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Vicky Tiel dress is a stunning vintage piece with pleated silk taffeta on the skirt and sleeves. The bodice has lace and the bust has ruched fabric. The dress also has boning on...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- F/2015 L#16 VERSUS VERSACE+ANTHONY V.ASYMMETRIC BLACK DRESS w/DEEP V-NECK 40 - 4By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE VERSUS + Anthony Vaccarello PR-sample Collection Fall 2015 Look #16 Black dress For a seductive LBD that packs a punch, turn to Versus Versace. This dress has sleevel...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- F/2015 L#16 VERSUS VERSACE+ANTHONY V.ASYMMETRIC BLACK DRESS w/DEEP V-NECK 38 - 2By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE VERSUS + Anthony Vaccarello PR-sample Collection Fall 2015 Look #16 Black dress For a seductive LBD that packs a punch, turn to Versus Versace. This dress has sleevel...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- New VERSACE CUTOUT BLACK LEATHER DRESS 38 - 2By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE This black leather dress features Keith Haring-inspired cutouts and a rose-gold lamé underlay that adds a sweet flourish to the sharp silhouette. Black leather Cutou...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- New VERSACE BLACK TULLE and LEATHER DRESS 40 - 4By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE This dress has a tulle bodysuit and leather skirt back zip Silver-tone Medusa hardware Long sleeve Content: 94% nylon, 6% elastane lini...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Hanae Mori Calligraphic Print GownBy Hanae MoriLocated in New York, NYHanae Mori calligraphic print gown in graphic black and white semi sheer georgette. One piece gown with tucked bib and button placket at...Category
1990s Japanese Maxi Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Explore a Century of Gucci Fashion in London
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
The Stories behind the Most Famous Luxury Fashion Logos
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.