Tom Ford

Wildly popular in many rap songs, top fashion designer Tom Ford is making waves across the globe. What draws my attention to this? Well, following fashion trends is something I truly enjoy especially when accompanied with some type of event, like runway shows. I am a very visual person, so seeing new designs at these extraordinary fashion events is very appealing. Which brings me to this update from BizBash! On Oscar weekend, Tom Ford presented his fall 2015 collection in Los Angeles (for the first time), drawing the fashion world and Hollywood names to see his latest.

Just two days before the Academy Awards, Tom Ford turned heads by hosting his fall 2015 women’s runway show in Los Angeles. It was the first time the designer has ever shown on the West Coast, a decision driven partly by the first day of London Fashion Week. The February 20 outing at Milk Studios also served to marry the designer’s dual passions of film and fashion. Milk Studios stands at the crossroads of the fashion, music, photography, and film worlds. A media company based out of New York and Los Angeles, it spans contemporary culture and is a hub for nurturing creativity and supporting partnerships with some of the industry's most visionary talent and innovative brands. A truly unique venue for a fashion show but totally fitting for Tom Ford's grand designs.

Onto my favorite part, the specs and logistics! The 8,200-square-foot show space required leveling, so 4- by 8-foot steel deck modules were brought in, with each of the 200-plus module’s legs individually shimmed in order to create the final even surface. Ford’s team accessed Milk Studios six days prior to the event and worked in 24-hour shifts until Friday, the day of the show. In total, it took 150 hours to complete the set. On show night, the 3,000 square feet of exterior entranceways of Milk Studios were transformed into pavilions for arrivals, with areas carved out for a step-and-repeat and, on the other side, ample spaces for guests to receive their seat cards and relax alfresco.

The show venue, however, had no traces of Malibu sun and surf. A total of 18 “suites” lined both sides of the two-row runway seating, each boasting custom 12-foot walls, gray velvet draping, and gray carpeting. The smoky, sexy vibe is classic Ford and a further nod to his newest men’s fragrance, Noir Extreme, which was in the gift bag. The custom soundtrack, meanwhile, featured a playlist that included remixed songs by Jay Z, Marina featuring Charli XCX, Poe, Naughty Boy featuring Emile Sande, and Abel Korzeniowski.

In most scenarios, coordinating such a multifaceted affair involving so many moving parts would be a daunting task. But Ford’s show, from start to finish, offered a refreshing change of pace, maintaining a calm elegance and approachable atmosphere where editors, society types, and bold-faced starlets all intermingled. It is always inspiring to see someone devour the details to make their dreams come true. We tip our hats to you, Mr. Tom Ford. I look forward to seeing your next collection!