You know that black and white book? The one that sits on literally every single "aesthetic" coffee table in every luxury apartment from Soho to Singapore? Yeah, the original Tom Ford book from 2004 was basically the uniform for people who wanted to look like they knew about fashion. But honestly, it was mostly about his time at Gucci. It was a victory lap for a guy who saved a dying Italian house by making it sexy—and, let's be real, a bit scandalous.
Then came the long silence. Seventeen years, to be exact.
When Tom Ford 002 finally dropped in late 2021, the world was different. We weren't just looking for provocative ads anymore. We wanted to see what happened after he walked away from the Gucci Group empire. This second book isn't just a "best of" reel; it’s a 416-page autopsy of how you build a billion-dollar brand under your own name while also becoming a legitimate Hollywood director.
What Actually Is Tom Ford 002?
Basically, if the first book was about the "Gucci God" era, this one is the "Empire" era. It covers everything from 2005 to roughly 2021. You've got the birth of the Tom Ford brand, the launch of Black Orchid (which arguably changed the fragrance game forever), and the transition into eyewear and menswear.
It’s big. It’s heavy. It’s a slipcased monster published by Rizzoli that weighs enough to kill a small pet if it falls off the shelf.
But here is the thing people miss: it’s not just a portfolio. Ford personally edited this thing. He started with about 1,000 pages of material and whittled it down to 400. You’re seeing exactly what he wants you to see. It’s a curated vision of his aesthetic philosophy, which—as any fan knows—revolves around high-gloss glamour and what people often call "opulent sexuality."
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The Filmmaking Pivot
One of the coolest parts of Tom Ford 002 is the focus on his films. Most fashion designers who try to make movies fail miserably. They make long commercials. Ford didn't.
He gave us A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.
The book gives some real estate to these projects, showing how his visual language translates from a silk suit to a cinematic frame. It’s weirdly inspiring to see a guy at the top of one industry just decide to start over in another and actually win.
The Visual Feast (and the Stars)
If you're buying this for the photography, you won't be disappointed. We’re talking about the heavy hitters:
- Inez & Vinoodh
- Nick Knight
- Steven Klein
- Mert & Marcus
The imagery features the usual suspects—Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, and Jon Kortajarena. But it also highlights his A-list inner circle. You see Julianne Moore (his muse), Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez. These aren't just paparazzi shots; they are meticulously staged fashion editorials that define what "expensive" looks like.
Why Some People Get It Wrong
There is a weird misconception that this is just a reprint or a "lite" version of the first book. It’s not. In fact, it’s slightly smaller in physical dimensions than the 2004 original (10.75 x 14 inches vs 11 x 14), but it feels more modern.
Some critics argue it's too much of a "brand manual." And, yeah, it is. It’s a corporate history disguised as art. But when the brand is this influential, the line between business and art gets pretty blurry anyway.
Another point of confusion? The "Tom Ford 002" name is also used for a watch collection. Don't get them mixed up. If you're looking for a book to put on your table and you end up with a Sellita-movement timepiece, you've made a very expensive (though stylish) mistake.
Is It Worth the $135 Price Tag?
Let’s be honest: $135 (or more depending on where you shop) is a lot for a book. But in the world of luxury coffee table books, it’s actually pretty standard.
The production value is insane. It uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved materials, so it’s "sustainable" glamour, I guess? The slipcase is sturdy, and the printing is crisp enough to see the texture in the velvet jackets.
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If you already have the first book, your shelf looks unfinished without this one. They are designed to sit together. Rizzoli even released a $500 deluxe set that boxes them both together in a white-and-black slipcase, but that’s mostly for the hardcore collectors who want Ford’s signature on a bookplate.
Actionable Steps for Your Space
If you’re ready to add Tom Ford 002 to your collection, don't just toss it on a random table. Here is how to actually use it:
- Pair it with the original: The contrast between the black cover of 001 and the white-accented 002 creates a balanced visual on a shelf.
- Check the dimensions: This thing is 14 inches tall. Make sure your shelving units actually have the clearance before you buy it, or you’ll be forced to stack it horizontally (which is fine, but plan for it).
- Use it as a base: Because it’s so sturdy, it’s the perfect "anchor" book. Put it at the bottom of a stack and place a smaller, more colorful book or a small object (like a candle or a brass tray) on top.
- Actually read the intro: Most people skip the text. Don't. The foreword by Anna Wintour and the intro by Graydon Carter provide some actual context on why Ford is so obsessed with control. It makes the photos mean more.
This book is a wrap-up of a specific chapter. Ford himself said he wanted to "file things away" as he turned 60. By buying it, you're basically owning a piece of fashion history that likely won't be updated for another two decades.