TOM FORD TO LAUNCH WOMENSWEAR

 

The designer reveals his plans for a women's line under his Tom Ford brand.

 

 

Tokyo - Tom Ford is having quite a year with the critical success of his debut film, A Single Man. On Monday night (Oct. 19) Ford was at the Tokyo International Film Festival to promote his film that he directed, coproduced and cowrote, and on Tuesday evening (Oct. 20) he made a special appearance at his new men's shop in the Isetan department store. Now the designer-turned-film-director revealed his plans to launch the Tom Ford brand's first women's collection "very soon," No specific date was given but the women's line could launch as early as fall 2010. It, however, all depends on financing as Ford confirmed he and his longtime business partner and Tom Ford International chairman Domenico De Sole (pictured right) are on the hunt for financing to fund the women's collection. Reports estimate the duo are seeking $50 million or more for financing. In an interview with WWD Ford said, "Financing is extremely expensive right now, so if we find financing in the right situation we'll be able to start [a women's collection] soon. If we don't, we may have to wait a while." He adds, "You know it will take me 18 months when I start, because [I have] to hire the team, find the factories, put everything together and then get the stores ready so there's a place for these clothes."  [Story/Images WWD]

 

Kristina Bustos