Haider Ackermann will be celebrating today, as he has been announced the new creative director of Tom Ford. Following Peter Hawkings' shocking exit in July 2024 - after more than two decades working at the House - the industry's rumour mill was whirring with speculation. Haider Ackermann steps into his new role immediately and will debut his first collection for the House at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025. "It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honour the legacy of Tom Ford," writes the designer in a statement. Aside from womenswear, Ackermann will be responsible for menswear, accessories and eyewear, as well as the creative vision for the brand as whole.
The Colombia-born French national studied fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and has become something of a celebrity within the industry thanks to avant-garde creations - he turned down creative director offers from Maison Margiela and Dior, and was even Karl Lagerfeld's preferred option for Chanel's post-Lagerfeld era. His creations have long-been staples on the world's most prestigious red carpets and he counts Timothée Chalamet, Tilda Swinton, Kylie Jenner, Cate Blanchett and Austin Butler among his celebrity clientele. "Haider stands out as one of the world's most visionary and inspiring talents in fashion," said Guillaume Jesel, President and CEO of Tom Ford. In a statement, Tom Ford himself echoed the enthusiasm of the executive team. "He is an incredible colourist, his tailoring is sharp and above all, he is modern.... I suspect I will be the first on my feet to applaud after his show in March." We can't wait to find out.
