Tom Ford in Hollywood!

＜English＞

Translated by K.M.

In an earlier post I talked about the queer links in the new film by Tom Ford. Now, as promised, I'll fill you in on the film itself, and the man behind it.

Ford, often referred to as one of the sexiest gay men alive, is best known for his 15 years as Gucci's top designer. More recently, he was applauded for the suits he designed to sharpen up the image of legendary spy James Bond, played by Daniel Craig in the latest 007 flick "Quantum of Solace" (2008).

And now, he's not just designing costumes for films, he's directing them too.

Ford joined Gucci in 1990 as the chief designer of women's wear before quickly being moved up to the position of creative designer of the company in 1994. During Ford's time at Gucci, company profits grew tenfold and the formidable designer became one of the brand's key figures. Ford left Gucci after a buyout by Pinault Printemps Redoute and started his own Tom Ford label.

However, although he ultimately achieved tremendous success as a fashion designer, his recent foray into the film business probably stems from his student days, when, while studying architecture in New York City, he harbored dreams of being in front of the camera. Appearing in several television commercials, he is reported to have been deeply inspired by art, fashion, and music at this time, not surprising perhaps, considering he was familiar face at both Studio 54 and Andy Warhol's Factory.

Ford's directorial debut, "A Single Man," shot in Los Angeles and currently in post-production, will be released later this year by his own newly established film production company, Fade to Black. Judging from the man's previous creative successes, it's hard to imagine that the film will be anything less than phenomenal. Ford co-wrote the screenplay together with David Scearce, based on a Christopher Isherwood novel of the same name. The story centers on a gay professor from England who tries to rebuild his life in Los Angeles after suddenly losing his partner in an accident.

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