Tom Ford

1986, BFA Architectural Design

While he initially studied architecture design, Tom Ford, known for his sensuous fashion designs, studied at both Parsons New York and in Paris . He is quoted as constantly thinking about three things: sex, fashion, and how to integrate the two. After becoming the design director at Perry Ellis following a post-graduation stint on Cathy Hardwick’s creative staff, he joined Gucci in 1990 as their womenswear designer, eventually becoming the design director. In 1994, he was named the creative director at Gucci, responsible for the design of every Gucci product, and for the look of all Gucci shops in the world. When Gucci purchased Yves Saint Laurent in 2000, he became the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent Couture. In 2005 he formed a creative partnership with Estée Lauder, which resulted in the creation of a new eponymous company.