Before most brands were ‘shaking up the calendar’ by merging their men’s and womenswear shows, Tom Ford was rejecting traditional catwalk arrangements in favour of pop videos: for the brand’s SS16 collection – debuted in conjunction with Paris Fashion Week back in October 2015 – Lady Gaga was tapped for a short. Today, announcing its AW17 collection, two striking new look books have emerged.

For Ford’s womenswear offering, a sleek affair; simple white background, throwback feels with a contemporary twist in the foreground.

Classic Luxury

Think of Tom Ford and you think of high glamour. While not mutually exclusive, the designer-cum-director’s name has long been linked to the finer things in life, and this latest outpouring isn’t dissimilar. Fur jackets (brightly coloured with a 60s edge) here are partnered with slim line leather trousers, while sequins, velvet and silk – the kind of fabrics you’re taught simultaneously to take good care of and have outrageous fun in – also feature heavily. And if there’s any higher luxury than clothes that demand caution but imply a good time, we’re not sure what it is.

TBT Legwear

Hey day Ford here is out for all to see, and we’re big fans. Think back, if you will, to Gucci’s stunning SS00 collection – when the designer was creative director and suggested Farrah Fawcett, Blondie and Gwyneth Paltrow had all played inspo. for the python frocks and pink tights that dominated – that same brightly coloured legwear has been given a boost nearly two decades later, with shades of purple, red and peach making strong company for fantastic silver heels that marry references both from the 60s and 90s.

A calmer but no less confident display, Tom Ford’s AW17 menswear in turn paints a more romantic picture.

Suits You

If Ford is synonymous with anything (and he is, plenty), it’s the suit; a defining part of the designer’s own wardrobe and a constant in his label’s line-ups, this season smart separates are at the core of the collection. Here, black trousers have a dance inspired flavour owing to a slight flare and a subtle stripe down the side – the accompanying patent shoes further hinting at a ballroom element – while jackets go heavy on the lapel, shining in silk animal prints and grown up coloured velvet.

That 70s Show

There are countless ways to assert a mood, and casting is no small part in that – hence the shaggy haired model donning Tom Ford specs is perhaps the most obvious ambassador for the new collection. Elsewhere low cut shirts, high neck knits and suede bomber jackets flaunt the era, coming through in a palette of neutral siding shades such as cream and green – navy too, is thrown in for good measure, as accessories appear, taking the form of neck scarves and woven belts.

Like this? Buy the Spring ’17 Issue here.