Provocative American designer Tom Ford is president and CEO of Tom Ford International. Together with Domenico De Sole, Ford rejuvenated the Italian fashion house Gucci in the 1990s.

Born in Austin, Texas, Ford studied art history at New York University and later architecture at Parsons School of Design in New York. After joining Italian brand Gucci in 1990 as a women’s wear designer, he swiftly ascended to creative director at the luxury brand.

His run at Gucci came to a screeching halt — even Ford describes his exit as “dramatic” on his web site — in 2004. Disputes over creative control with Gucci owner Pinault-Printemps-Redoute fueled the falling out. Ford and Domenico De Sole, who was Gucci’s CEO at the time, departed and together founded Tom Ford International in 2005.

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Ford’s label has since signed with Ermenegildo Zegna SpA to produce men’s apparel, with Estee Lauder Cos. to produce fragrances and with Marcolin SpA to produce eyewear. In addition, he’s won several awards from CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).