There are suits. Then there are Tom Ford suits. Ever since the American designer launched his eponymous brand in 2006, the tailoring game has set a standard for the red carpet that comfortably matches what Savile Row has to offer. And now we know why.
Following a slew of looks from the likes of Zayn Malik, Colin Firth and Ansel Elgort over the summer, there’s been one common thread: the fit. “But of course,” we hear you cry, “these suits have been altered by an army of expert tailors, personal stylists and entourage luvvies – of course they’re well-fitted.” And you’d be correct. Tom Ford’s suits however, are designed to hang in a completely different way to Savile Row fodder.
Consider the muscular block. Few labels can cater to both the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Andrew Garfield – two different actors with two very different body types. Tom Ford simply goes tighter on the body, emphasizing the good bits with a wider shoulder, heavyweight materials and a smaller waist. While a normal suit will clinch in the right places, Tom Ford goes a nip and a tuck further – something your local alteration service can replicate if given sound guidance (or, if that fails, a quick Google image on your phone).
The effect isn’t just a glove-like fit, it’s tailoring as armor. Suits as masculine as they come.
While fit is the most obvious string to Tom Ford’s very stylish bow, know that other forces are also at play: the details. The designer’s suits are rarely without a standout finish – velvet lapels, satin fabrics or even a jewel-flecked print for the black-tie peacocks. It’s these minor textures that elevates Ford’s red carpet clobber to the next level, and though they’re not to everyone’s tastes, it just goes to show how effective a new fabric can be.
Granted, Tom Ford fits come with Tom Ford pricetags. But that’s not to say these tactics can’t be imitated. Just remember: as Jay-Z once said: I don’t pop Molly, I rock Tom Ford. And frankly, you can do the same whatever your budget.
