Snob Essentials

Tom Ford: Can You Afford the Ford?

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Tom Ford. Two syllables, and so many words come to mind: words luxury, status, sleek, sex, provocation, et cetera. Now even lipstick and sunglasses have become synonymous with the Ford name, but not necessarily bags. But that doesn’t mean Ford isn’t currently serving up some decadently priced satchels. The gigantic zipper, present on all the bags (and some sweaters), is Ford’s signature. As with all luxury brands, you are, in part, paying for the name. At $3,990 for the leather version and a bananas $20,000 for the ostrich, you are almost desperately paying for the cache Ford has built.

This style is reminiscent of his Yves Saint Laurent days but not as strong as, say, the Mombasa. Thick, sensuous leather unfortunately makes the bag extremely heavy. The oversized front flap has a zipper compartment, but it’s not too functional because if you fill it up, the bulk weighs the flap down. Similarly, the bottom also has a zipper, increasing girth – there for aesthetics, not extra room. But who says status symbols have to be practical? No iconic status here, but maybe that’s delivered in knowing you’ve got a lush piece of the Ford name to carry around.

Pair with: Wear Alexander McQueen’s Engraved Leather Cage boots with one of these bags and announce to the world, “Function be damned! I’m too rich to move anyway!” On Net-a-Porter for $1,375.

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10 comments

  1. I like the TF mens bag designs (ones with military zips). They are hard to find in Hamburg, Berlin and London. They are also kind “Hermes” expensive and heavy. I have tried to get information about the from the boutiques in both NYC and Milan but they consistently hang up on/disconnect me EVERY time I have tried. 🙁

    I am about to hang up on Tom Ford!

  2. Thank you so much for writing about his bags. I went to his Rodeo Drive store the day it opened and really didn’t get the giant zippers. The bags also seemed REALLY expensive for something that is not handmade. I would rather buy a Bottega Veneta and get a piece of art than these zipper bags.

  3. I love love his clothes, they are SEXY WITH A CAPITAL S and edgy and modern. But the bag is another story. I would rather get the expensive Victoria Beckham bags, they are better designed and frankly prettier. Realistics, i would just skip the bags and buy his clothes.

  4. I like the style of the leather bag – I just don’t $4K like it. However, based on your review, the bag is very impractical, so I wouldn’t do it at any price. Still a nice style though.

  5. Mr Ford certainly likes to charge his clients over the odds- his lipsticks costs £35 in the UK, more than Chanel or Dior-not whether he can justify it but then again, he probably doesn’t care anyway. Still admire his work though.

  6. This is so similiar to the bag I am totally in love with from Anya Hindmarch – the Maxi – and it is a much better price point than Mr Fords…x

  7. I adore Tom Ford–the man that is. He is talented–quite sexy [I could give an ape’s hindparts what his sexual preferences are!!!] and he seems pretty down to earth! But $20K for a bag; when people here in the United States are begging jobs and food?! Never mind what just happened to our ‘neighbors’ in Japan. NEVER in this lifetime or in any other!!!