American fashion designer Tom Ford will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at The Fashion Awards 2024.
A leading figure in the world of fashion and luxury, Ford’s business acumen, impeccable tailoring and daring designs will all be celebrated on 2 December at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, who announced her intention to step down last month, said: “We’re thrilled to honour Tom Ford with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution to fashion, film and culture.
“For over three decades, his visionary work has consistently pushed the boundaries in every field he has played his hand in – from transforming Gucci into a fashion powerhouse and launching his incredibly successful eponymous brand while establishing the design studio in London, to becoming an award-winning filmmaker.
“Ford is a true innovator and fashion icon in his own right and we can’t wait to celebrate with him.”
Ford began to establish a name for himself in 1990, when he joined Gucci as Chief Womenswear Designer. He later became Creative Director in 1994, helping to transform and elevate the luxury brand.
In 1999, Ford and Gucci Chairman Domenico De Sole created the Gucci Group, now known as Kering. He became the Creative Director and Vice Chairman of the group and assumed the position of Creative Director and Chief Designer of Yves Saint Laurent, all while maintaining the creative responsibilities for the Gucci brand.
In April 2005, Ford launched his eponymous brand, which was met with quick success. He stepped away from the business last year, following its sale to The Estée Lauder Companies in 2022.
However, his achievements don’t stop at fashion. Ford is also an award-winning screenwriter, producer and film director. In 2009, he wrote, produced and directed the Academy Award nominated film A Single Man. His second film Nocturnal Animals premiered in 2016 and won the Grand Jury prize, three Golden Globe nominations, nine BAFTA nominations and an Academy Award nomination.
He has also served as Chairman of the CFDA and during his tenure diversified the Board of Directors and membership, launched the A Common Thread relief initiative with Vogue to support fashion businesses during the pandemic, significantly increased the CFDA Scholarship Fund and strengthened New York Fashion Week.
“It is an honour to be acknowledged for my contributions to fashion, film and culture by the British Fashion Council,” said Ford.
“This award is incredibly special to me, as I have spent a great deal of my life in London. During my 35 years in the fashion world, I have focused on creativity and the love of beauty and style. I am so very grateful to the BFC for this prestigious award.”
The Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates the creative contribution of an individual to the fashion industry, who throughout their career has constantly shaped and reshaped the fashion world through their innovation and creativity.
Previous winners of the award include Valentino, Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard, Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Lauren KBE, Karl Lagerfeld, Dame Anna Wintour, Terry and Tricia Jones and Manolo Blahnik CBE, amongst others.
The news comes after the British Fashion Council announced the nominees for The Fashion Awards 2024.
The event, presented by Pandora, will continue to celebrate the role of fashion at the intersection of culture and entertainment, spotlighting creative talent and telling the stories of the year in fashion through the lens of purpose, excellence, and creativity.
Award categories previously announced include Designer of the Year, Model of the Year, British Menswear Designer, British Womenswear Designer, New Establishment Menswear, New Establishment Womenswear and British Accessories Designer – the winners of which will be revealed on the night.
