Tom Ford’s fall 1995 debut for Gucci was a landmark moment for the fashion community, described by Vogue as, "one of those hitting-in-the-solar-plexus moments.” However, it landed upon the general public with something of a whimper. “People were maybe a little bit too afraid to celebrate hedonism on the runway,” mused Ford, though more likely the public was unaccustomed to associating such fashion forward work with stuffy Gucci branding. Over the following two seasons, Gucci began to conquer the zeitgeist, with Fall 1996 serving as something of a coming-out-party. The presentation was declared, “the fashion equivalent of a one-night stand at Studio 54,” which tidily summed up the mix of sex and sophistication which graced the runway. Sharply cut suits of leather and silk and velvet with immaculately flared legs were the highlight of the show, while a glamorous finale of cut-out white dresses truly conjured memories of a 1970s night club.

Quite possibly the most famous piece from Tom Ford’s time at Gucci. A literal museum piece, it is part of the MET’s permanent collection.

This iconic suit was shown on both men and women in the campaign. It provided a marketing coup for the label, creating one of Ford’s earlier cultural touch points when Gwyneth Paltrow donned it for the Oscars. Made of velvet with a silk lining and woven silk buttons, it has since been re-released both at Gucci and for Tom's namesake line.

Jacket

Condition: 8.5/10. Small (roughly 1mm) water mark on leg of pants.

Tagged size: 44

Jacket

Shoulder: 16 1/2in

Pit to pit: 18in

Length: 29in

Sleeve: 24in

Pants

Waist: 14in

Rise: 12in

Thigh: 11in

Inseam: 32in

Hem: 10in (Flared)