Who is the Tom Ford Customer? | CNBC Conversations

Who is the Tom Ford Customer? CNBC's Tania Bryer conducts a rare and personal interview with legendary designer and film director Tom Ford.
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In this candid interview Ford talks to Tania about his childhood and growing up in Texas, why he dropped out of college and got into fashion, his breakthrough at Gucci and the pressures of running it as a public company. He speaks frankly about his departure from Gucci in 2004 and for the first time reveals his feelings towards Yves Saint Laurent, who wrote him 'harsh' letters at the time. He reveals the impact on his personal life and how he spiralled into depression and a mid-life crisis.
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[@Loki-sk7bi]

Keanu Reeves: I don’t age Tom Ford: Hold my moisturiser

[@Seanonyoutube]

Loki27 hold my syringe*

[@u2kill]

@@Seanonyoutube that...i just know

[@6hailhail7]

farrell williams : hold my manbag

[@ivantacalo8802]

Adrenochrome

[@PuffySofty]

Keanu Reeves' actually a huge fan of Tom Ford

[@ThecodbroZ11]

This dude definitely has a painting in the attic doing his aging for him

[@erinues7._-]

what a comment!! Also great movie!

[@35i_Hearse_Driver]

Which movie was that? 🙈 Forgot the title 🤣 Haven't watched it in ages.

[@Lewisgonerogue]

@@35i_Hearse_Driver Its Dorian Gray

[@MakelliStudio]

@@35i_Hearse_Driver It's a book by Oscar Wilde.

[@Bhiladpy-up9uy]

I don’t understand how this dude is50 something

[@Stateofmind00]

The way he's into explaining style makes me want to own something from him.

[@Nicebitoftucka]

Ombre leather is an amazing fragrance for the cold weather

[@AccentBwoy]

@@Nicebitoftucka too expensive

[@agnesecemulini5360]

I wear his fragrances. They're magnificent.

[@maltehannover3537]

I'm really fine with my basic wardrobe. This guy and this brand are the best examples for things you dont need. They aren't bring you friends, real joy or creativity. And it's really important to have the Money for that. They're just overpriced sensless clothes. A poor wittness of our emberassing consuming behavior.

[@joashcorea]

Yo that’s exactly how I feel too

[@IanLeoTV]

He doesn't look anywhere near his 50s

[@alexarodriguez2925]

HOW THE HELL DOES HE LOOK IN HIS LATE 20'S/EARLY 30'S BUT IS 55 YEARS FUCKING OLD??????? PROOF THAT WHITE DON'T CRACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@a1.70]

He is most likely wearing his concealer designed for men. it's very popular and I don't consider men fruity for wearing it. All celebrities wear make up even the men

[@passionskayandmiguel]

Ian Leo he's admitted to plastic surgery (Botox)

[@ClintonJRTR]

Ian Leo I would've asked him for his ID off camera because he looks nowhere near 50 I thought he was in his 30s

[@SammyMakepeace]

Look up the musician Steven Wilson. Another man in his 50s who looks nowhere near it

[@markoh2999]

so true about when he says people overdress in designer and think it looks good. just because it is expensive does not mean the outfit goes well

[@cityboyo1679]

Marko H money can’t buy style.

[@haydennackley7734]

There’s a great quote by none other than Karl Lagerfeld who said “Never use the word “cheap”. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans - it’s up to you.”

[@Seanonyoutube]

That’s not what he said though. He said he doesn’t like seeing people wear his clothing in exactly the same way the models on his runway or catalog wore them. He rather see them mix and match to suit their own personal style. He didn’t say anything about not wearing all-designer clothing.

[@nausheenali6138]

Exactly. Money doesn’t equal class. I can’t stand when Huds from Haifa beauty wears her fendi dress with f logo all over it and long see through nails or when she went on vacay and was wearing logos all over everywhere. I like classy understated fashion where you look classy and expensive without logos or showing off.

[@Satchel1992]

I agree. When people over dress in designer clothes it feels like something is off. It may look good but it is like over kill. It needs that human flare.

[@njo2994]

He has the face and skin of someone in their 20's.

[@butternuttt]

***** it's called botox

[@omercan71]

+Nick Olsen is it maybe coz he's Gay??

[@Your_Wife.s_Boyfriend]

+dino and get jizz sprayed on his face ??

[@nanabarimah9448]

+w rong name LOOL you lot are SICKKK

[@alexarodriguez2925]

HOW THE HELL DOES HE LOOK IN HIS LATE 20'S/EARLY 30'S BUT IS 55 YEARS FUCKING OLD??????? PROOF THAT WHITE DON'T CRACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nefariousjim]

His voice is so relaxing I wish he did audiobooks

[@AnthonySforza]

Hell, I'd listen to those. "The Little Engine That Could..."

[@c_mendes]

I was just thinking the exact same thing

[@j.jonahjameson3025]

I think he’s so intriguing because he knows, and doesn’t hide, the fact that he makes incredibly expensive clothing. BUT he doesn’t make it feel so exclusive and doesn’t demean anyone when he explains it

[@sidvyas8549]

Makes his style, appeal and general philosophy authentic and accessible

[@humanormachine2936]

There is something about this man that is so captivating. I could listen to him speak about anything and he would have my full attention.

[@abdullahbrum]

Yes he is very engaging, and has a lot of charisma as well. Added to that he loves fashion, and it clearly shows.

[@petekdemircioglu]

Ahahaha

[@c_mendes]

Same here, he should do a podcast or meditation, I could listen to his voice all day

[@TouchingMyself]

“What’s the ideal customer.” Tom Ford in a long general sense: anybody really it’s for anybody who can afford it.

[@joachimstossberg3095]

He's certainly thrilled about himself.

[@dboyfff]

+Joachim Stossberg Sales....excuses...me...sales...haha....you streudle..haha

[@anthonycoca2202]

Joachim Stossberg As should we all be with ourselves....

[@mamanimese]

And everyone should be like that. He’s still kind and polite and probably a good person.

[@ivandaniel08]

As you should..

[@matthewhanson4529]

Why wouldn't he be?

[@capicuaaa]

I'm not particularly into fashion butTom Ford is something else. He is highly, highly intelligent, empathetic and has a wonderful vulnerability and humanity about him which is extremely refreshing and counterbalances his narcissism. A very magnetic, charismatic, not to mention, talented person.

[@barackobama7255]

You don't know him, relax

[@donaldesmith1]

He’s a genuine guy, a true gentleman

[@greggb681]

He looks like he is 35!!!

[@Hugo411]

Botox use. He admits to using it and It Works.

[@media1981]

Shut up I'm 35 and he looks younger!

[@roberttheobald7767]

Hugo411. Why. Botox ? Why. Not. Lifestyle ? Eat. Right. Exercise. Work. Hard. Like. That. Why. Not. ?

[@ventsislavstefanov9590]

Because no amount of diet and exercise will make you look 20 years younger than you actually are.

[@ll-nm4fw]

he has a receding hairline with thinning hair as well as thinning eyelids and receding eyes and eye sockets which are signs of aging of an older man, not someone who is 35. you dont know how to read a face.

[@thebeautypimp]

This man is beyond gorgeous. Its so easy to buy into what his saying just because he carries himself so well

[@periscope7731]

Tom Ford has an intoxicating allure on camera. Just imagine what he’s like in person! His men’s fragrance and eyewear collections are outstanding.

[@KS29]

His sound is literally ASMR

[@AugustPDX]

I loved his answer to her question about people who he might not perceive as good looking wearing his clothes. He States "It's not me saying you can't wear this. It's about giving people pleasure and making people feel the best version of themselves" Could be a cheeky interview reply but I still enjoyed it

[@rosebanx00]

I def feel that was a genuine reply. I really believe he just wants ppl to feel good about dressing up.

[@claysmith4909]

Tom Ford is awesome, like his fragrance line.

[@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207]

Which one you like?

[@FemaleDallasTexas]

transalantic acccent. old Hollywood accent

[@TheEmadia]

+BearPapa1990 homophobic twit.

[@shuarma0]

@@TheEmadia what? it has nothing to do with homophobic you uneducated "twit".

[@TwistedPencils]

And it is very sexy.

[@mikerotch6068]

I didn't even pick that up until you mentioned it.

[@notnek202]

He’s totally fake

[@Deeenatural]

To me he is absolute perfection

[@jkxss]

Well spoken and the interviewer lets him speak/doesn't interrupt him. A+

[@SimmSumm]

EARLY 50'S!!!! His the white Pharrell!!

[@citizenkembang4216]

hello how old is Pharrell?😐

[@Jesusmasterninja]

I didn't believe that at first. I'm astonished.

[@Kmn01923]

Will Pharrell is already white man !

[@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207]

@@Kmn01923 Pharrell Williams. Check his age.

[@honewhetstone1732]

You mean “He’s”

[@tomfordbeauty8350]

Wow TF.. Just wow.. He really does care about his customers! The fact he doesn't like that people go full Tom Ford is just amazing.

[@dvd7826]

We need an interview with Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs at the same time

[@misbrutality]

That would be amazing. I would pay to see that. Marc Jacobs is too much, and that's why I love him. 😁

[@blackbikerboots123]

This guy is the best, so brilliant, a total idol of mine, love you Tom, don't ever change.

[@stmichl9433]

Don't idolise.

[@5jeray]

Very well said! A designer with class, taste and empathy.. 👍🏾

[@Oisdead]

There is something about Tom Ford... I can’t stop watching him

[@ricktrindade2431]

such a wise and well spoken guy. hope he keeps on going....wonder if he will ever make T-shirt though

[@reeeb]

+Rick Trindade He makes T-shirts you can find them on Mr Porter;)

[@mrsteinbergenson7348]

Tom Ford is such a humble guy

[@malichai100]

make sense to me, love the part about knowing who you are

[@wuilmarksalcedo2018]

He's truly amazing on what he does and know about style

[@judebautista5925]

Epitome of a man. His looks and eloquence! ❤️

[@hailsnow]

This man is very humble

[@blackking7759]

What a smart man he right on point with the answers

[@Ozk-nq9qr]

His profound sense of style is amazing but what leaves me in awe is that he doesn't just know about "what to" & "how to" but also the "why"

[@Neemzzz]

omg i love him!

[@shaynarose4254]

LOVE learning about him!!

[@HiMyNameIsJonathan]

After ten years of being a fan of this guy, I finally ordered a Shelton suit. Tried on a 38/48r at Neiman about 7 years ago and said to myself one day I’d be able to get one. Very inspiring.

[@gagafan546]

I just love to see him talking. I'm not the biggest fan of his designs, but he really knows how that business works

[@thepuremotivemovement]

His energy is ecstatic.

[@yeethetree1233]

this guys personality is better than everyone at my school combined

[@amylouisewrong]

swoon-worthy. I love him to bits, what a gem

[@RACKITBALL]

He's gorgeous and looks amazing

[@susancich7531]

confidence.. .....extraordinary

[@rideonpostman]

"They could be 25 and that means they are either married to someone with alot of money ...or are a very spoiled young daughter"

[@jorgelujan9942]

Yeah I was surprised to hear that from him. That line has some sexist tones but maybe he might have misspoken and not realized what he said. To be honest though there aren't very many 25 year olds, male or female, that are independently wealthy enough on their own to be casually buying luxury clothes.

[@jel1951]

@@jorgelujan9942 Hows it sexist? You literally explained the reasoning behind his statement in your last sentence. Degenerate

[@thelasthokage4347]

Most 25 year olds can't afford Tom Ford. Those that can usually get their money from someone else. Stop looking for ways to be offended all the time.

[@onzah3515]

The Last Hokage not true I’m 24 and make a decent living as a full time stock trader I also operate a small marketing service. I don’t own much Tom Ford but that’s because I don’t like dropping crazy price tags. Not everyone is a spoiled brat some of us came from poverty and decided to escape.

[@maverickbull1909]

Jorge Lujan please shut up. Please.

[@rosebanx00]

The end statement is what is interesting to me. Deep down he’s really humble and wants to make ppl happy .

[@joshray7914]

Beautiful interview

[@nemanjaperendija3474]

This man is amazing.

[@drewreignbalan7470]

Beautifully articulated. Every word !

[@MM-fd6pq]

lol i love the way he speaks

[@zachd6537]

I resonated with the last thing he said regarding knowing who you are and your own style when picking out expensive clothes

[@susancich7531]

he is happy...key to success

[@LaKymana]

I love Tom Ford. He is a genius

[@omarelahi3934]

Insightful and diplomatic. Good combination

[@vernefits1953]

I can listen Tom hours and don’t get bored

[@GigiDelaRua]

Dios mio este hombre me enamora solo con la manera tan educada con la q se expresa!!!

[@SurasmitaMeher-ch3lo]

He said, 25 year old woman who wear Tom Ford, aren't wearing it with their own money. That relieved me so much. 😁

[@samantarizzi248]

Haha me, too😃 he’s so right though! I like him because he tells it how it is. He also seems humble enough, with all of his success, he understands fashion and style and appreciates intelligence in his customers. Love the guy

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... 25-year old women* ...

[@chittyluv2651]

My Mom almost died at the optometrist when I found these fabulous Tom Ford frames I just had to have. I've worn glasses for 50 years and have never had any I'm so proud of! It did take both of us to pay for them but worth every cent!

[@roychefets1671]

Typically designers have little input into eyeglass designs They basically just license their names so the rubes think they designed whatever.

[@chittyluv2651]

@@roychefets1671 Are you always so filled with Joy and Happiness or do you always try to ruin everything for folks. Do you know Tom Ford didn't design these glasses? I guess he didn't design any of his clothes or bags either. He just let's people put his name on stuff. You sound ridiculous and you should really find some joy in your life.

[@pinkfeet518]

i work at an ophthalmologist office and i think TF frames are one of the top sellers. both men and women. i loveeeee his glasses

[@sarizonana]

@@roychefets1671 in most cases you are right but I’ve heard Tom Ford does care a lot about his eyewear brand or his eyewear niche. I’ve heard he does care about that and has a lot of input into them because sunglasses for him are a big deal of his wardrobe. And I do believe it because eye glasses and sunglasses it’s one of his top selling products. For Chanel, Prada or Gucci. I can see what you mean totally and for them it’s just something to take the middle class out of their bags, for so many of the other fashion houses eyewear is their product to sell for people they want to avoid getting the classic flap or the lady Dior. For Tom Ford his sunglasses are one-off his star products.

[@simonchune9513]

He's amazing

[@gabrielcundari3104]

its called sunscreen

[@wnapholi]

love this guy

[@conejita71mx]

Pure class this guy...😍

[@7ajhubbell]

Thank you.

[@alriyaad]

I love this guy!

[@Susie470]

Awww, I love what he said about people love wearing what he created

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Tom Ford is all charisma.

[@EWAMILENAP]

Tom Ford, I love your intonation and a cute way of explaining things you are selling in the way that my hand wants to reach my wallet and spend, spend,spend...

[@maltehannover3537]

So you are perfectly falling for this consume-bullshit.

[@irmaiz133]

And we love the way you articulate what you love. 💚!!! 😊💫☘️

[@bradpatton6517]

Definitely have to check this out.

[@orangeblock3792]

Ok... May I just say "I LOVE this man!".

[@s.f.694]

He's so intelligent and talented

[@Who-qn5fl]

Tom's customers: super rich people.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Rich, not super-rich.

[@snow40741]

Yes..if you know your own style and what suites you...doesnt matter if its one of his pieces or someone elses..you make it own...walk your own runway! Would love to own just one of his pieces..rocking one of his fragrances!

[@filmawesome23]

I love this guy too much so much very much.

[@adhirajsinghjodha3296]

I'm straight, but damn he is such an attractive man, his style, way of speaking. Such an inspiration!

[@thebirds2406]

"I've always designed for women with their own mind, I love intelligent women who knows their own style... and again I feel little sad if she does not really know who she is just buying a look" Hahaha I love that All women shall be different with their own sense of style literally I agree with this man so much I hate trends but it help people to dress up themselves if they have no clue by means no taste or just careless about how they look and love themselves

[@leselhbr8853]

He loves what he does and do just right into it when he talks and love tell people how to look he loves it and he doesn't fake it and that about him is so cool 😎😎😎

[@LTV249]

Well said my friend. I did not know that you had your own clothing line but I do love your colognes especially the oud wood

[@Hollywood103]

That little nugget from 2:30 - 3:00 may easily get overlooked, but can be viewed as an essential part of self discovery within ones fashion choices AND life choices.

[@Hazynecklace]

such wisdom glad to dress the way i do , his articulation is magnificent

[@MissRichTV]

well said Tom Ford!…

[@Pontiuspilate666]

Buying a look. Very well worded.

[@noteman212]

Magnificent man.

[@knezfikol5010]

Y'all commenting his looks, which I gotta admit is amazing for his age, but I also gotta say look at this anchor woman. She looks so beautiful and positive.

[@jeffreyrivers1983]

Wow! Just... wow!

[@lonecaspersen8866]

Love Tom Ford!!!!

[@SankofaNYC]

I love this man.... lol... Forreal though, he is so focused and thoughtful

[@MehoyMinoy1]

I didn’t care much for fashion, but I appreciate that Mr. Ford is also for that Classic look in the fashion world with well tailored suits/Peak lapels and that his fragrances are meant to make you stand out from the usual notes used in many modern Fragrances. It’s daring, bad ass, and, kind of innovative, in my opinion.

[@reshmisaha]

I own some of his lipsticks and although they are really expensive they do look like something a classy woman would choose. From the packaging to the color range. Of course the price tag comes for the brand name but other than that owning atleast one tom ford lipstick will make anyone feel special.

[@pimpekawx4986]

how lovely!

[@benjaminsantamariavalios1981]

18 I wear his tuxedos with such joy😄

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Such an honest businessman. I'm saving money and working very hard to one day buy from their store in Chicago.

[@shroomgod1990]

Thats how i do, i look all over these fashion shows and take an idea from here & there and intergraded into my own style and it becomes its own style something you cant seem to label.. Thats my own thing.

[@desertknights5003]

Well spoken

[@deegegaming7911]

Love that guy

[@yoliehines4399]

Tom is so handsome !! 💙🙏

[@aziara369]

Love love this Virgo man a lot

[@mallowhawk294]

Of course in real life he is a complete Diva but through a screen he does seem quite fabulous and friendly.

[@lobsterrock4570]

early 50s!!! he looks like 35

[@mattstryker2886]

@dave john no he looks like he is in his 30s the the hair is kinda give away

[@ezra7253]

Tom Ford is the most respectable man I am aware of

[@pricetilghman2217]

That was interesting. now I have to watch tom ford videos for a hour.