Haider Ackermann has been named Tom Ford’s new creative director with immediate effect, according to a press release announced on Wednesday (September 4). The Colombian-born, Paris-based designer succeeds Peter Hawkinsa business veteran who left the role of creative director in July, less than a year after taking the helm Tom Ford himself. “It is with immense pride that I will seek to honor the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,” Ackermann said of his new role, “I am very excited about what lies ahead.”
Greater heights
Ackermann, who is widely praised for his sensual tailoring (often worn by muses and celebrity clients including Tilda Swinton, Zendaya, And Timothée Chalamet), was also appointed Creative Director at Canada Goose in May this year. His recent roles include collaborations with Jean-Paul Gaultier, for whom he guest designed the spring/summer 2023 haute couture collection. Previously, Ackermann was creative director of the French luxury men’s label Berluti for three seasons (2016-2018).
In light of his new appointment, Ackermann will be based in Paris, where he will lead Tom Ford’s design teams, as well as continuing his role at Canada Goose on a part-time basis.
Since Tom Ford is owned by the Estée Lauder Companies and licensed to the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, Ackermann will report to Guillaume JeselTom Ford President and CEO and Head of Luxury Business Development at the Estée Lauder Companies, as well as Lelio GavazzaCEO of Tom Ford Fashion at the Ermenegildo Zegna Group.
Great expectations
Ackermann’s first collection for Tom Ford will debut during a catwalk show during the AW25 edition of Paris Fashion Week in March 2025. Tom Ford himself is especially looking forward to that show. Without hiding his excitement he said: “I have been a big fan of Haider’s work for a long time. I find both his women’s and men’s clothing equally convincing. He is an incredible colorist, his tailoring is sharp and most of all he is modern. We share many of the same historical references, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what he does with the brand. I suspect I will be the first to applaud after his show in March.”
In a statement shared with Vogue Business, Ermenegildo ‘Gildo’ ZegnaChairman and CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna Group, said: “Tom Ford’s fashion industry has long had enormous growth potential. The appointment of Haider as the brand’s new creative director will further strengthen the team we are building and gives me even more confidence in the future of Tom Ford Fashion.”
Tom Ford’s buyout letter
- After Tom Ford’s founding in 2005, the brand licensed its menswear line to Zegna in 2006. In 2022, Tom Ford sold a majority stake in his brand to Estée Lauder Companies Inc (ELC) for $2.8 billion. This deal allowed Zegna to expand its reach across all of Tom Ford’s fashion categories.
- ELC acquired the brand’s beauty and skincare businesses and licensed the fashion business to Zegna, which already operated the menswear division.
- In April 2023, the acquisition was completed, with Zegna acquiring Tom Ford International, the entity responsible for the fashion industry, through a joint operation with ELC.
Featured image: COURTESY OF BERLUTI/MARK ABRAHAMS
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