Why Is Tom Ford So Expensive? The 7 Most Important Reasons
Tom Ford is one of the top American fashion brands, but why are the price tags so high? We’re answering the question why is Tom Ford so expensive to give you all the details you need to know.
The American fashion designer, Tom Ford, founded his luxury fashion house in 2005 and since then it has become a staple of New York Fashion Week, and a brand beloved by celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael B. Jordan, Bella Hadid, and Lily Collins, for its unique designs, luxurious fabrics and striking silhouettes.
If you have been browsing Tom Ford clothing, bags, perfumes, or even the makeup collection, you may be wondering why each item is so expensive. That’s where this article comes in to help you out! We’re answering the question of why is Tom Ford so expensive so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
We have also included a few of our favorite items that we think are definitely worth the high price tag! So if you are thinking of picking up a new Tom Ford fragrance or luxury handbag, check out this article first to find out everything you need to know!
Why is Tom Ford so expensive?
There are many different reasons why Tom Ford is so expensive and different aspects that have an effect on the final price of the clothing, accessories, fragrances, and beauty products – so let’s break this down.
1. Craftsmanship
One of the biggest impacts on the price is the craftsmanship of Tom Ford products. Since Tom Ford is a luxury brand, they take great care in the production and manufacturing of their clothing, bags, and shoes. The majority of pieces are made in Italy by highly trained craftsmen and artisans who ensure each Tom Ford item is made to a high standard.
You may also find Tom Ford products that are crafted elsewhere in the world, for example almost all denim is made in America, most watches are crafted in Switzerland, France produces the leather watch straps, and Portugal makes many of the t-shirts. Just like many other brands, Tom Ford relies on the expertise of a certain country, like Switzerland and watches, to craft a certain item for the brand, ensuring the highest quality finish.
It is also worth noting that many of the Tom Ford clothes have intricate designs and embellishments – often this work is done by hand to achieve the perfect look, which will make these highly decorated pieces much more expensive. This exquisite craftsmanship can cost a lot of money, which raises the price of Tom Ford’s pieces.
2. Materials
Just like the craftsmanship, the materials used in Tom Ford clothing, handbags, and shoes, in particular, have an important effect on the high pieces of each product. Since Tom Ford is such a luxurious brand, much of their clothing is crafted from natural materials, such as silk, cotton, cashmere, and linen that have a luxurious look and feel and are durable enough to stand the test of time.
You will find that there are Tom Ford clothing made from nylon, spandex, polyester, polyamide, viscose, and acetate to achieve a certain effect on the fabric or fit to the body – creating that bold and daring Tom Ford aesthetic.
The natural materials, particularly, will cost a lot of money, including sourcing the raw materials and shipping them to the manufacturers, having an effect on the price tag of Tom Ford clothing.
The handbags from the brand are equally as gorgeous and are most often made from leather, namely calfskin leather with a grained finish to make the bag more durable, but there are also crinkled patent leather and croc-embossed calf leather options available too.
For something a little more unique, you can go for a satin or cotton denim bag, which is just gorgeous and so eye-catching. The leather can be expensive and has to be handled by specific artisans, which is part of the reasons why leather handbags from Tom Ford are so expensive.
3. The History of the brand
The long and rich history of the brand also plays are part in the high price tags of Tom Ford pieces. This American luxury brand was founded in 2005 by Tom Ford alongside his business partner Domenico de Sole. The brand first began cosmetics and sunglasses, launching these pieces online before opening a store on Madison Avenue in New York City in 2006.
It wasn’t until 2010 that the first Tom Ford clothing line was released. The collection debuted at the Tom Ford store, with Beyonce, Daphne Guinness, and Julianne Moore as some of the models. The brand continued to grow, with stores opening in Miami and London and more items added to the collection, including footwear, handbags, and accessories.
Soon a menswear line was released and there is now even a made-to-measure part to the brand offering bespoke Tom Ford suits and gowns. The Tom Ford collections have become known over the years for a daring and sultry aesthetic, with each collection full of incredible gowns, smart workwear pieces, and leather dresses and skirts, all with that edgy Tom Ford touch.
This history and the development of the brand over time have had an effect on the price of Tom Ford’s luxury goods.
4. Tom Ford as a designer
Tom Ford, as a designer, had an incredible career in the fashion industry before he even founded his eponymous brand, which made him a household name and meant he could charge a high price for stunning pieces designed by Tom Ford.
Tom Ford enrolled at Bard College and New York University, dropping out of both institutions before studying architecture at Parsons The New School for Design. Although Ford studied fashion in his final year, after becoming inspired by the glamour of Studio 54, he graduated with a degree in architecture. After graduating, Tom Ford worked for the American designer Cathy Hardwick before he moved to Perry Ellis in 1988.
Ford wanted to move to Europe to expand his design career, and in 1990 he took on the role of chief womenswear designer, under the creative director Dawn Mello. In 1994, Ford became the creative director of Gucci, and his glamorous collections, including satin shirts, metallic boots, and velvet trousers, proved very popular, with sales at Gucci increasing by 90% between 1995 and 1996.
When Gucci acquired Yves Saint Laurent in 1999, Tom Ford was also appointed creative director of this fashion house. Ford left these brands in 2004 and four people were hired to do the work Tom Ford had previously completed alone.
His time as the creative director of world-renowned fashion houses, made Ford a popular design, and one that people would pay a lot of money to wear a Tom Ford design.
5. Celebrities
Countless celebrities have been seen in Tom Ford pieces, as a part of their street style look or on the red carpet, only increasing the allure and high demand for Tom Ford products. Tom Ford clothing has been worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Daniel Craig, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Hanks, Ryan Gosling, Will Smith, Hugh Jackman, and Henry Cavill, just to name a few.
Ford has also designed Daniel Craig’s suits for his final 4 James Bond films as well as the suit for Justin Timberlake in his Suit & Tie music video. These many famous faces wearing Tom Ford have made the brand more popular and increased the prices of clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories.
6. Exclusivity
Tom Ford also wanted to have high prices so there would be fewer people buying the clothes and accessories, cementing its place as an expensive brand for wealthy customers. All luxury brands want an element of exclusivity and do not want lots of people wearing or buying their clothes and accessories.
This exclusivity makes the luxury brand really special, giving it a higher status that only some will be able to afford and distinguishing it from other consumers. The expensive prices mean that Tom Ford is not a common brand that is seen everywhere and worn by lots of people, adding an element of rarity to the brand.
Only people with a lot of money can afford Tom Ford, making the brand exclusive and giving high status to the people wearing a Tom Ford piece.
7. Fragrances
It is worth noting that the price of Tom Ford fragrances is affected by the creation and long-lasting effect of the perfumes. Each of these expensive perfumes is made with high-quality ingredients that really last on the skin to make sure you smell incredible all day long.
Also, Tom Ford takes great care in developing each of the scents, including ones inspired by his own memories, trips, and experiences, and then works on the scent with a close group of perfumers who work hard to produce these irresistible scents. Some of the fragrances have even won awards – just another reason why you need a Tom Ford perfume in your collection.
The incredible ingredients, time, and attention that go into the perfumes raise the price of each of them.
Best-Selling Tom Ford Products
There are so many incredible pieces from the Tom Ford brand – with everything from ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, shoes, underwear, fragrances, and make-up available. So we have brought together some of the best-seller pieces from the fashion house that are definitely worth the splurge!
1. Handbags
This Tom Ford Medium Jennifer Grained Leather Shoulder Bag is the perfect everyday handbag, with a durable grained leather exterior, spacious interior, and a couple of inside pockets. This soft and slouchy handbag features glittering gold hardware and is fitted with a top handle and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap so you can style this bag in multiple different ways.
The interior has plenty of room for all your everyday essentials, plus this bag is available in grey, black, and sandy beige so there is an option to suit any personal style.
If you are looking for something a little larger, this Tom Ford Medium Grained Leather Hobo Bag is a great option. This sleek and minimalist hobo bag is crafted from grained calfskin leather, decorated with a gold TF logo, and finished with a top handle to loop over your shoulder.
The open top allows easy access to the spacious interior, with a wall pocket, and lots of room for all your work or weekend must-have items.
2. Shoes
These Tom Ford Lock Stiletto Sandals are just irresistible, with a sleek and glamorous aesthetic that will suit a wide range of evening and dinner out looks. These black high heels have a leather strap over the toes and a strap around the ankle, secured with a gold buckle to ensure the perfect fit.
The gleaming padlock embellishment on the ankle strap and gold 4.3-inch stiletto heel add a glam finishing touch to these striking shoes. These Stiletto Sandals are also available in nude so there is an option to suit any glitzy outfit.
The Tom Ford Metallic Medallion Slingback Ballerina Flats are just irresistible! These Italian-made glittering gold ballerina flats are super comfortable but still glamorous enough to wear for an evening out.
Crafted from metallic leather, these flats have a sharp silhouette, with a pointed toe, decorated with a gold TF logo, a stretch slingback strap, and a 5 mm flat heel. The goat leather lining ensures a luxurious feel for your feet.
3. Clothing
The Tom Ford ready-to-wear collection is filled with exquisite tailoring, striking silhouettes, and bold colors, making each piece a must-have in your wardrobe! We just adore this Tubino Crepe & Tulle Midi Dress from the luxury brand, with the signature sultry Tom Ford aesthetic.
This midi dress has a fitted silhouette and includes panels of opaque crepe with sheer inserts to create an eye-catching and sensual finish. The asymmetric panels subtly expose the legs, up to the hip, the arms, and around the collarbone for a stunning look. This dress is available in black, white, or purple if you fancy a pop of color.
Everyone needs a smart blazer in their wardrobe, and we think this Tom Ford Satin-Lapel Single-Breasted Gran De Poudre Tuxedo Jacket is the perfect option. This jacket is sleek and stylish enough to style with your work look or layer over a dress for a smart and sophisticated special occasion outfit.
This jacket has a tailored silhouette, that nips in at the waist and is finished with peaked lapels, a single-breasted front, and side welt pockets just above the hip. The satin lapels add a shimmering touch to the matte finish on this virgin wool blazer.
4. Perfumes
Tom Ford perfumes are world-renowned and there are now so many different scents available in the collection, to suit a palette and an option for every season – these are two of our personal favorites!
The Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum is a modern yet classic fragrance that includes notes of black truffle, ylang-ylang, black orchid, patchouli, vanilla, and bergamot to create a warming floral scent that is ideal for the cooler months or a night out.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a warm and spicy fragrance that is just irresistible! The perfume was first created in 2007 and has become a best seller for the brand.
The top notes of this scent include tobacco leaf and ginger, the middle notes are vanilla, cacao, and tonka bean, while the base notes are dried fruit and sweet wood sap, all blended together to create a delicious ambery scent, ideal for both men and women.
We hope you found this article answering the question, why is Tom Ford so expensive, helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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