WHO IS HAIDER ACKERMANN (AND WHY HE IS THE PERFECT FIT FOR TOM FORD)

Fashion week hasn’t even started and yet the past few days have already been filled with some relevant news and big moves happening in the fashion industry.

To recap, Balenciaga is launching a new music chapter with Mina, Stone Island has unveiled a campaign featuring Liam Gallagher, Stefano Pilati is set to debut a co-ed collection with Zara, and iconic brand Delpozo is making a surprise comeback at NYFW, announced with a campaign starring Tilda Swinton.

And what about the rumor that Simon Porte Jacquemus might become the new face of Chanel? We’re still waiting to find out.

What we know is that Haider Ackermann was named creative director for Tom Ford. Although this announcement was somewhat unexpected - the Maison owned by Estée Lauder very recently announced that former creative director Peter Hawkings was leaving - it appears that Ackermann could be an ideal match for the brand: Tom Ford himself has expressed enthusiasm for his successor, noting that they share similar aesthetic codes and artistic references.

LOOK 4 - ‘pour les Nuits Radieuses’ - miss Swinton. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture by Haider Ackermann.  Premiere I Problemista by Julio Torres I NY
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the stunning CATE BLANCHETT I Cannes 20-05-2024 look nr 11 - in our JPG H.A Haute Couture. with a Louis Vuitton necklace made from repurposed pearls and diamonds
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exploring the mystical universe of ANSELM KIEFER -  while celebrating our dear Friend Jay Jopling
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142 000 PINS worn on a COUTURE TRACKSUIT.  HER CAPTIVATING SMILE - CATHERINE DENEUVE!  LET’S DANCE - Setsuko, Kylie, Tilda, Daphne and Anna.  STELLA’S TOXIC EYES  O’BROTHER
Haider Ackermann

Besides creating his own label, being behind the creative direction of Canada Goose and Berluti (for just three seasons) and collaborating with Fila, the Colombian-French designer had the chance to dive into the archives of Jean Paul Gaultier and bring the maison's Spring 2023 Haute Couture collection to life: Ackermann’s refined aesthetic proved to be a perfect complement to the enfant terrible’s maximalism.

Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann
jeanpaul gaultier Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann and jeanpaul gaultier
Haider Ackermann

Will his approach have the same impact when reimagining the glamorous archives of Tom Ford? Beyond their shared aesthetic, evident in collections made of sensual power-dressing, sleek fabrics, and tailored proportions to enhance the female silhouette, the two designers also share the liaison with celebrities and Hollywood stars. While Tilda Swinton, Kylie Jenner, and Bella Hadid (to name a few) have all dazzled in his creations, it’s Timothée Chalamet's red carpet looks that truly stand out, adding a distinctively sophisticated twist to his public image.

Timothée Chalamet and Haider Ackermann at red carpet
Getty Images
There’s a new man at @tomford. Haider Ackermann (@h.a) has been named creative director following Peter Hawkings departure in July. “It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honor the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,” Ackermann said in a statement. “I am very much looking forward to what lies ahead.” The designer’s first show for the house will be during Paris Fashion Week in March. Link in bio for all the details.
W magazine
There’s a new man at @tomford. Haider Ackermann (@h.a) has been named creative director following Peter Hawkings departure in July. “It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honor the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,” Ackermann said in a statement. “I am very much looking forward to what lies ahead.” The designer’s first show for the house will be during Paris Fashion Week in March. Link in bio for all the details.
W magazine
Haider Ackermann and kyliej enner at red carpet
Haider Ackermann
kylie jenner haider ackermann Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture
Haider Ackermann
tilda swinton in Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann

“I suspect that I will be the first on my feet to applaud after the show in March,” To see Tom Ford's reaction to what Ackermann will bring to the table for his brand, we’ll have to wait for the next Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, when Ackermann will unveil the Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2025 collection.

Clara Ferrati

Clara Ferrati

Fashion editor and archivist based in Milan currently working as SMM/copywriter; enthusiast about fashion history & trends, music, cinema, social media.

@clarafrt