Olivia Bergin, The Daily Telegraph, July 26, 2013
Fashion designer Tom Ford’s first UK store has opened its doors on London’s Sloane Street, keeping good company with Salvatore Ferragamo, Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana.
To celebrate the 8,000 square foot retail venture, the former Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent designer has created a new fragrance, Private Blend London. Described as a ‘rich and spiced, woody animalic fragrance,’ the scent: ‘captures London’s cultural vibrancy and unique dynamic between elegant, urbane composure and sometimes scandalous carnal amusements’.
The UK flagship boutique was conceived by Ford and architect William Sofield, and features a cosmetics room in white high gloss to showcase the brand’s extensive offering of perfume and make-up. The VIP salon will undoubtedly be frequented by the likes of Rihanna, who inspired Ford’s last collection.
IN PICTURES: Tom Ford autumn/winter 2013 collection
Upstairs, three rooms house women’s daywear, evening wear and women’s collections; there is also an array of men’s rooms to cater for suiting, shirting, sportswear and shoes.
Texan-born Ford has firmly made the capital his home; his headquarters are in nearby Victoria and he shows his collections to a tight edit of fashion press and buyers during London Fashion Week.
He founded his eponymous label in 2006 after a five-year hiatus from fashion design. By the end of the year the brand hopes to have 102 stores worldwide.
As well as building a fully-fledged empire which includes sunglasses, cosmetics and perfume, the designer found the time to direct Hollywood movie A Single Man in 2009, which starred Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.
201-202 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9QX. Tel: 0203 141 7800 www.tomford.com
