Thomas 'Tom' Carlyle Ford is an American fashion designer, film director, and businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder and Former Creative Director of the Tom Ford fashion house. His career is rooted in fashion design, creative vision, and luxury brand building.

Ford holds a B.A. in Architecture from Parsons School of Design. His philosophical approach centers on creative excellence, brand exclusivity, and long-term commitment to high-end luxury and sophisticated glamour. His structural contribution is immense: revitalizing Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1990s and later founding his own iconic luxury brand.

• Tom Ford International (Former Founder & Creative Director): The foundational source of his wealth, the global luxury brand (sold to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in 2022).
• Gucci/YSL (Former Creative Director): He is credited with the major creative and commercial revitalization of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1990s.
• Film Production: He is an Academy Award-nominated film director (known for A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals).
• Investment Strategy: His fortune is tied to the $2.8 billion sale of his eponymous brand and his creative IP.

Tom Ford's strategic genius was his commitment to singular creative vision and bold branding. He rose to global fame as the Creative Director of Gucci and YSL (1994–2004), transforming both brands into luxury powerhouses. 2005: Tom Ford. He founded his eponymous label, focusing on menswear, accessories, and beauty, establishing it as an emblem of modern luxury. His structural contribution is immense: pioneering the modern celebrity creative director model and driving the value of luxury brand IP.

The pinnacle of his financial career was the $2.8 billion sale of the Tom Ford brand to Estée Lauder in 2022. Following the exit, he focuses on his film production and private interests. His wealth is secured by the colossal liquid gains from the Estée Lauder acquisition and his long-term creative IP.

Tom Ford's social impact stems from his powerful influence on global fashion and luxury culture, setting major trends in design and aesthetics. His personal philanthropy supports various HIV/AIDS research and educational initiatives, often through high-profile fundraising events and foundations.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Tom Ford maintains the sophisticated, hyper-polished style that defines his brand. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring impeccably tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects serious creative authority and absolute perfectionism, typical of a leader in the global luxury sector.

Residing in Los Angeles, California, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to creative direction, brand management, and filmmaking.