In the space of two short months, we’ve encountered news no one could have foreshadowed: Virginie Viard exiting Chanel as creative director and now Peter Hawkings departing Tom Ford. Less than twelve months since his debut collection during the Spring 2024 season of Milan Fashion Week (and some 25 years of working alongside the founder), the British designer is to depart as creative director of the brand. Hawkings took over from Tom Ford himself in 2023, subsequent to the famed American designer selling his eponymous fashion label to Estée Lauder Companies in a $2.8 billion deal. Hawking, a longtime deputy of Tom Ford, unveiled his most recent Resort 2025 collection earlier this month – to much fanfare across our forums. A successor is to be named at a later date, with the Spring 2025 collection set to be unveiled in the Milan showroom come September.
Revisit the Tom Ford Winter 2024 collection below:
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“Well that was quick!” [Olaffo]
“Oh, I cannot really say I am surprised, but it seems so short. I am curious to see how this develops.” [Salvatore]
“I find it all rather bizarre to be honest. I thought they handled the transition to Peter Hawkings pretty well thus far. In a pretty organic and not too hyped way compared to some other brands. At this point in the market what almost any brand needs is consistency and to be excluded from the extreme volatile rotation of creative directors. Terrible decision but good luck to whoever comes next…” [style_expert]
“Good! Now, a real womenswear designer. The menswear is a well oiled machine anyway that has been consistent for years now. A strong accessories team too and it’s done deal.” [Lola701]
“No one wants to support a long term vision (or a vision in general). It’s just like chewing gum, spitting it out, getting a new piece, etc etc.” [sussieinmcswanny]
“Such a dangerous game to play IMO. There really isn’t time allowed for a designer to build and attract a new customer. I understand wanting to increase a business, but is it reasonable to expect a certain kind of growth overnight?” [LostInNJ]
“I don’t care about this brand without Tom anyway, so best of luck to whoever comes next…” [Thefrenchy]
Share your own thoughts on Peter Hawkings departing Tom Ford over on theFashionSpot forums, here.
