F/W 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Pink Alligator Ballet Style 5" Heels
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7.75 in (19.69 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Length: 9 in (22.86 cm)Marked Size: 39C (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Light discoloration to silk interior, soles, and leather from age and use.
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2388213677992
Tom Ford for Gucci
No one understands sex appeal quite like Tom Ford, who joined Gucci as a womens-wear designer in 1990.
At the time, the internationally renowned Italian label was better known for leather goods than luxury fashion. It was also nearly bankrupt. After creative director Dawn Mello left in 1994, following a Bahrain-based investment group becoming Gucci’s majority shareholder, Ford was named creative director. The American designer soon infused the brand with a fresh sensuality and bold style.
Ford's potent vision of sexed-up femininity spanned everything from shirts to shoes to handbags and other accessories at Gucci — he reimagined the house's iconic double-ring-and-bar Horsebit hardware, a reference to the brand’s equestrian history, as a seductive low-slung belt, worn by Madonna when accepting an MTV video music award in 1995. For his fall show during that year, in which Kate Moss walked down the runway in an unbuttoned satin shirt, velvet hip-huggers and tousled hair, heralded an exciting, glammed-up era for the once fusty brand. Vogue critic Sarah Mower called it “one of those hitting-in-the-solar-plexus moments.”
As Ford shot to fame, he continued to explore plunging necklines, such as in the black and white looks of the Fall 1996 collection, and sumptuous fabrics like leather and tweed, with the Fall 2000 ready-to-wear collection ranging from sultry silk evening dresses to plush belted coats.
Ford also cranked up the seduction in the provocative ads for Gucci, particularly with regard to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, which the fashion house acquired in 1999 (Ford was also named creative director for YSL and designed the brand’s ready-to-wear collection). Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 campaign featured Carolyn Murphy grasping Angela Lindvall in what looked like a video still; in another shot, a face pressed against a foot in a lipstick-red heel. Each promoted a vision of modern fashion where women were sexually confident, the materials were luxurious and the styles were fearless.
In 2004, Ford and Gucci president Domenico De Sole left the company after failing to agree on the renewal of their contracts. In 2006, with De Sole as chairman, Ford launched his wildly successful eponymous menswear label. Today Ford is also an author, film director and chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Find vintage Tom Ford Gucci day dresses, jackets and shoulder bags on 1stDibs.
Gucci
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: West Hollywood, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford GG Monogram Black Pony Hair Metal 4.5" Heel Boots 37CBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a pair of pony hair 'GG' monogram steel heel boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 collection. The red velvet and black patent leather version of these h...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Brown Neoprene Boot Heels Size 38.5By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a fabulous pair of brown neoprene Dolce and Gabbana heeled boots. From the late 1990s, these never before worn vintage boots are perfectly modern. The boots feature a small platform and patent leather toe. These rare boots...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Leopard Pony Hair 4.5" WedgeBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting Tom Ford designed these sultry pony hair and red lacquer wedges for his final collection with Yves Saint Laurent. These shoes were featured on Gemma Ward...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoes
- Early 2000s Versace by Donatella Mirror Embroidered Silk Satin Mule 4.5" HeelsBy Versace, Donatella VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a pair of bohemian-inspired pointed Versace slide heels, designed by Donatella Versace. This pair of heels are constructed of a black cloth e...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoes
- F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Grey Velvet 4.5" Heeled Boots Ad CampaignBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a rare pair of grey velvet high-heeled boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1999 collection. According to Ford, this collection was me...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Beaded 'G' Logo Black Satin Evening Pumps Size 8.5 BBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a black satin square 'G' Gucci beaded kitten heel, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, these classic heels are amped up with a subtle sparkling square 'G' at the vamp. Step into these rare late 1990s Gucci by Tom Ford heels...Category
1990s Italian Heels
- Manolo Blahnik Blue/Red Leather and Patent Ankle Strap SandalsBy Manolo BlahnikLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2These heeled sandals are the perfect combination of style and comfort, with a sleek design that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. The sturdy heel offers stability, while the so...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Jimmy Choo, pink satin crystal peep-toe sandalsBy Jimmy ChooLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLJimmy Choo, pink satin crystal peep-toe sandals. The item has very light signs of use, and heel has a plastic cover. Comes with dustbag. • CONDITION: good condition • SIZE: 38.5 ...Category
2010s Shoes
- Christian Louboutin, Pink suede peep toe platform pumpBy Christian LouboutinLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLChristian Louboutin, Pink suede hyper prive peep toe platform pump. This item is in very good condition and comes with box and dustbag. Heels h...Category
2010s Shoes
- Gina Python Skin FlatsBy GinaLocated in London, GBGina Python Skin Flats Bright pink ballet style flat shoes with contrasting white trim and almond toe with leather insole. Additional information: Size –...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes
- Christian Louboutin Suede sandals size 37By Christian LouboutinLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITSuede Coral color Back zip Heel height cm 115 (452 inches)Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- 1980s Walter Steiger Slingback Pink Suede Shoes W/ Cut Out Stars & Shapes 7AABy Walter SteigerLocated in Portland, ORThese are really fun vintage Walter Steiger slingback heels in a magenta pink suede The shoes have a cutout upper opening and punched out triang...Category
1980s Italian Heels