Their sudden departure from the Gucci Group in April 2004 rocked the global fashion business. It was, after all, Tom Ford who had brought the word luxury back into fashion in the mid-1990s, along with a heady dose of sex appeal. Behind the scenes, Domenico De Sole had brokered the deals that built the Gucci brand into a worldwide powerhouse. Despite their departure, one thing was always clear: Ford, 45, and De Sole, 63, would be back in fashion. Their vision in building Gucci and later the Gucci Group was unmatched in the business.
Now they are back with a whole new concept of high-end menswear, which they introduced in New York City last April. The idea: a luxurious haberdashery selling everything from $5,000 custom-made suits to 18-karat-gold sunglasses and handmade riding boots. The Manhattan store, modeled after Ford's London living room, is unique in its sumptuous style and service. Where else in Manhattan can you shop with a personal butler at your side?
And Ford and De Sole are rolling out the concept globally. In June they announced plans to open four more stores and key franchise partnerships around the worldincluding Asia, South America and the Middle East. Meet the makers of the next global luxury brand.
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