Few names command the kind of reverence in fashion that Tom Ford does. His aesthetic has always embodied a heady mix of elegance, sensuality, and unapologetic confidence. Year after year, his shows don’t just display clothing—they set the tone for New York Fashion Week itself. For many, the week officially begins when Tom Ford takes the stage.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the Tom Ford team for years, but this season offered something extra special: a deeper glimpse behind the velvet curtain. What unfolded backstage was proof that a fashion show is so much more than garments—it’s a symphony of detail, precision, and artistry.
More Than Fabric: The Art of the Show
When most people think “runway,” they picture the clothing alone. But a Tom Ford show is far more layered. Every aspect—from the beauty look to the scent lingering in the air—works together to tell a complete story. Each garment’s moment in the spotlight depends on perfect styling, right down to the gleam on a cheekbone or the shade of polish on a model’s nails.
This season, the Tom Ford team distilled their vision into three words: strength, power, allure. The result? Beauty that walked the line between softness and boldness. Smoky eyes mingled with luminous skin, strong brows framed faces, and an undercurrent of confidence tied it all together.
Building the Look: The Tom Ford Face
The foundation—literally—was flawless. The team relied on the Tom Ford Stick Foundation, a creamy formula that glided on seamlessly, creating a glowing, butter-smooth canvas. I wore it myself that evening, and let me tell you: it may just have replaced my old concealer.
Cheeks glowed subtly with Cheek Color 06 in Inhibition, while eyes stole the spotlight with smudged Kohl Intense eyeliner and layers of rich mascara. Brows, shaped with the Brow Sculptor, gave structure to the softness elsewhere. Nails were finished in Toasted Sugar, a neutral shade that whispered modernity without distracting from the clothes.
The result was everything we’ve come to expect from Tom Ford beauty: sultry, polished, and timeless.
The Venue: A Story in Itself
This year’s stage was the historic Park Avenue Armory—a building with its own sense of drama. Built in 1861, its creaking wood floors and storied artwork felt like characters themselves, effortlessly aligning with Tom Ford’s world of modern luxury steeped in history.
Walking backstage was a revelation. One room buzzed with seamstresses hunched over Juki machines, finishing last-minute stitches. Another overflowed with Tom Ford accessories—shoes, handbags, jewelry—lined up like treasures waiting to be unveiled. Everywhere I turned, there was another microcosm of magic at work.
Details That Linger
One of the most memorable moments didn’t come from the runway at all, but from a simple act of detail. As I moved from backstage to the front of house, I spotted a production assistant, headset on, multitasking with practiced ease. In one hand, she held a bottle of Tom Ford’s Beau de Jour fragrance, spritzing it into the air as she walked. The scent lingered behind her, weaving its way into the atmosphere so that guests would be enveloped by it the moment they stepped inside.
It was a reminder that no detail is too small in a Tom Ford show. The collection wasn’t just meant to be seen—it was meant to be felt.
The Magic of Fashion Week
There’s something electric about being behind the curtain at a show of this scale. From the hurried stitches to the quiet focus of a makeup artist perfecting a smoky eye, it’s a masterclass in collaboration and creativity. By the time the lights go up and the music starts, the world only sees perfection. But backstage? That’s where the heartbeat of the show lives.
For me, witnessing it all reinforced why Tom Ford continues to be a defining force in fashion. His shows are more than runway—they’re experiences, stories told through fabric, beauty, and atmosphere.
As Fashion Week continues to unfold, I’ll be sharing more glimpses into the shows, the prep, and everything in between. But for now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s the part of Fashion Week you’re most curious about? The late-night fittings? The hair and makeup secrets? Or maybe the behind-the-scenes rituals designers rely on? Let me know, and I’ll bring you along for the ride.
Because if there’s one thing Tom Ford reminded me this season, it’s that fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about the world that’s created around it.
