Haider Ackermann named creative director of Tom Ford, signaling new era for brand in China

In a move that signals a new chapter for the American luxury fashion house, Haider Ackermann has been appointed as the new creative director of Tom Ford, effective today. This announcement comes at a crucial time for the brand, which is expanding its presence in the Chinese luxury market amid economic volatility. “He really suits this brand perfectly,” Weibo user @resoudundun (热搜蹲蹲) wrote on the Chinese microblog platform, with other netizens echoing a largely positive response to the news. The Colombian-born French designer known for his avant-garde aesthetic and celebrity following, will be responsible for shaping all of Tom Ford’s fashion output, including womenswear, menswear, accessories, and eyewear. His appointment follows the departure of Peter Hawkings, who exited the role in July after less than a year at the helm. Storied career Ackermann's appointment marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Since launching his eponymous label in 2002, Ackermann has been a respected figure in the fashion industry, known for his dynamic, layered tailoring and intricate designs. His work has drawn comparisons to Yves Saint Laurent, earning him accolades such as the Swiss Textile Award and the Fashion Group International Award for Design. His career has been marked by high-profile positions and collaborations. In 2016, he took on the role of creative director at Berluti, the LVMH-owned menswear house, where he remained for three seasons. His tenure there was critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to blend his signature style with the codes of an established luxury brand. More recently, he has collaborated with sportswear giant Fila and served as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier's haute couture collection, demonstrating his versatility across fashion segments. Most recently, Ackermann made waves in the industry with his appointment as the first-ever guest creative director for Canada Goose last year. In this role, he elevated the brand's aesthetic, bringing his high-fashion sensibility to the renowned outerwear company. “It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honour the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,” Ackermann said in a statement released this morning. The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), which acquired the Tom Ford brand in a $2.8 billion deal last year, expressed enthusiasm for Ackermann's appointment. Founder Tom Ford said in a statement, ”I have long been a great fan of Haider’s work. I find both his womenswear and menswear equally compelling. He is an incredible colorist, his tailoring is sharp, and above all he is modern. We share many of the same historical references, and I could not be more excited to see what he does with the brand." Key market This move comes as the Tom Ford brand intensifies its focus on the Chinese market. The brand recently opened its first flagship store in Beijing's China World Mall, a 433 sqm space showcasing the brand’s complete product line. This expansion aligns with ELC’s plans to prioritize Tom Ford and La Mer in China, aiming to maintain profitability amid a challenging economic landscape. Further cementing its commitment to the Chinese market, Tom Ford Eyewear launched a flagship store on Tmall Luxury Pavilion, offering the latest collections to Chinese consumers through this digital platform. Ackermann’s appointment and the brand's expansion in China come at a time when the luxury market faces reduced spending and volatility. However, industry experts believe that Ackermann’s creative vision, combined with Tom Ford’s strong brand identity, could resonate well with Chinese luxury consumers seeking unique and sophisticated designs. As Ackermann prepares to unveil his first collection for Tom Ford at Paris Fashion Week in March next year, all eyes will be on how he interprets the brand’s codes while making an impact in key markets like China.

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Haider Ackermann named creative director of Tom Ford