the razzle-dazzle man

Tom Ford Secretly Poaching McQueen and Givenchy for His Own Women’s Design Team

In October, Tom Ford finally came out and said he plans to launch womenswear under his namesake line. However, he is not keeping the press abreast of his every move, which surprises WWD since Ford is “known for his marketing razzle-dazzle.” Ford is apparently razzle-dazzling for only a few insiders, who revealed information to the trade paper. He is said to have poached women’s ready-to-wear designer Caroline Tixier from Givenchy, and accessories designer Pablo Coppola from Alexander McQueen.

Ford hasn’t commented, but sources say he’ll launch his women’s line in fall 2011 — which is just two seasons away — and is debating whether to show in Milan or New York. He is said to be planning a presentation instead of a runway show. Ford last designed something for a chick when he created a green dress for Julianne Moore to wear to the premiere of his movie A Single Man at the Venice Film Festival. Ford is also said to be eyeing a giant store location in Shanghai, where he can sell both his women’s and men’s clothes. No word on when he’ll razzle-dazzle a New York store with his new dresses.

Exclusive: Tom Ford Builds Women’s Team [WWD]

Tom Ford Secretly Poaching McQueen and Givenchy for His Own Women’s Design Team