Having started his career in New York and, therefore, having developed a strong connection to the American market, Tom Ford accepted the role of chairman of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) with a sense of duty. A new chapter in Tom’s career is about to begin and the notorious fashion creative is set to embrace it with all his heart.

In an era of a massive cultural shift where identity politics and fluidity have taken the lead on the style and fashion perception mechanism, Tom Ford believes that the future of American fashion is not only American. It is global. Clothes and trends inspired in the United States or by American designers should not strictly depict a local take on what is beautiful, relevant and cool. On the contrary, American fashion must come from an eclectic, universal perspective in order to represent various influences and result in an inclusive artistic outcome.

What may have led Tom Ford to the state of constant and inventive curiosity he is in, is the fact that he is genuinely fearless. As he himself has stated, he is not afraid of thinking and acting commercially. While others only focus on the artistic side of their creative process, Tom is interested both in his craft and what the shoppers really want to buy and wear. Art is art but marketing is the powerful tool through which art is mediated.

Hard-working, committed and willing to push as much as it is needed to get things done, Tom Ford is bound to leave his mark on the Council by helping the industry grow and evolve.