Tom Ford is among the most highly respected and successful designers today. The winner of numerous design awards, his rise in fashion began in 1994, when he became creative director of Gucci. Not only did he dramatically change the image of the legendary fashion house, he also led the company to unprecedented success with his visionary insight into what the modern consumer desires. His innovative and provocative designs set the tone for an entirely new direction in the world of luxury goods. In 2000, Ford also took creative control of Yves Saint Laurent, a Gucci Groupbrand, reviving it with his trademark combination of sensuality and mystique.