Tom Ford Welcomes Haider Ackermann as Their New Creative Director
Peter Hawkings Steps Down, Ackermann Takes Over
Story: Stella Ringblom
Source: Photo from Vogue by Ethan James Green
Tom Ford just announced Haider Ackermann as their new creative director. Ackermann is a Colombian-born French fashion designer based in France, and he was also named as Canada Goose’s creative director in May. The designer takes on creative leadership across all of Tom Ford’s fashion categories, including menswear, womenswear, accessories, and eyewear. He will debut his first collection during Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.
Before Ackermann, Peter Hawkings was the creative director. He was Ford’s right hand for nearly 25 years and was appointed by Tom Ford in 2023 after leaving the company when Esteé Lauder and the Ermenegildo Zegna Group bought Ford’s stake in the brand for $2.8 billion. Since July, many have been speculating who will take over the position, and Ackermann was always at the top of the list.
Ackermann studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium; however, he left before graduating and chose to intern with John Galliano. He worked alongside designers, including Wim Neels and Bernhard Willhelm.
Ackermann launched his own brand in 2001, building a successful ready-to-wear business. He’s known for his dynamic and layered tailoring, and some have even compared his work to Yves Saint Laurent. Ackermann started with designing a womenswear collection and later expanded into menswear.
“Haider stands out as one of the world’s most visionary and inspiring talents in fashion,” says Guillaume Jesel, president of Tom Ford in a press release. “He draws on his deep affinity for global culture and the arts to create arresting fashion and memorable emotional connections. He is the ideal steward to usher Tom Ford into the future.”
In an Instagram post, Ackermann shared his excitement regarding his new position: “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. I am much looking forward to what lies ahead.”
In the same post, Ford said, “I have long been a great fan of Haider’s work. I find both his womenswear and menswear equally compelling. He is an incredible colorist, his tailoring is sharp, and he is modern.” He added, “We share many of the same historical references, and I could not be more excited to see what he does with the brand. I suspect I will be the first to applaud after his show in March.”
Many are optimistic that Ackermann will continue growing the brand, moving it towards a successful direction.
Before Ackermann, Peter Hawkings was the creative director. He was Ford’s right hand for nearly 25 years and was appointed by Tom Ford in 2023 after leaving the company when Esteé Lauder and the Ermenegildo Zegna Group bought Ford’s stake in the brand for $2.8 billion. Since July, many have been speculating who will take over the position, and Ackermann was always at the top of the list.
Ackermann studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium; however, he left before graduating and chose to intern with John Galliano. He worked alongside designers, including Wim Neels and Bernhard Willhelm.
Ackermann launched his own brand in 2001, building a successful ready-to-wear business. He’s known for his dynamic and layered tailoring, and some have even compared his work to Yves Saint Laurent. Ackermann started with designing a womenswear collection and later expanded into menswear.
“Haider stands out as one of the world’s most visionary and inspiring talents in fashion,” says Guillaume Jesel, president of Tom Ford in a press release. “He draws on his deep affinity for global culture and the arts to create arresting fashion and memorable emotional connections. He is the ideal steward to usher Tom Ford into the future.”
In an Instagram post, Ackermann shared his excitement regarding his new position: “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. I am much looking forward to what lies ahead.”
In the same post, Ford said, “I have long been a great fan of Haider’s work. I find both his womenswear and menswear equally compelling. He is an incredible colorist, his tailoring is sharp, and he is modern.” He added, “We share many of the same historical references, and I could not be more excited to see what he does with the brand. I suspect I will be the first to applaud after his show in March.”
Many are optimistic that Ackermann will continue growing the brand, moving it towards a successful direction.