Tom Ford recently did a series of style upgrades for eight different British men from different walks of life for GQ Magazine. (Project Upgrade: Tom Ford Edition – GQ) When the guys were still in their “before” stages, Tom asked each of them questions that were unique to their respective situations, but asked all of them one identical question: “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” – reinforcing the adage Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. The results are striking.
Ford put a big emphasis on tailoring, remaining consistent with his love of Savile Row standards. The finished pieces show men who still look like themselves, but decidedly upgraded, deluxe versions – versions of themselves that I think many men are afraid of.
I believe that a man should dress like he owns the company, especially if the company is a one-man freelance operation. If you’re asking people to give you money for something, you want to look like someone who can be trusted with it. I think much of the hesitation for many men is based in fear: fear of responsibility, fear of growing up, fear of out-shining the boss, fear of not being able to fulfill the promise of the exterior package, fear of being “found out,” whatever. In my own experience, I remember times where I thought I didn’t want to push it or look too good or too successful. It wasn’t my place, or so I thought, fearing it was inappropriate to “out-dress my station.” Then one day years ago, I decided to fuck that. I think we should look like we own it in every way, and celebrate the hell out of it. And I think Tom Ford would agree with me.
Below are the videos GQ produced that give a great behind-the-scenes look at Ford’s process in making these guys over. We get to see the before, the after and the bits in between. To help with the project, he worked with GQ’s legendary Creative Director Jim Moore and hair stylist Oribé. The videos are short, sweet, and leave you wanting more. I hope you enjoy them and get as much out of them as I did.
Dressing Like a Grown Man for Salesman Toby Watkins
A Little Authoritative Power for Accountant Lee Ha
Tailoring for Builder Konran Rusiecki
Dressing the Part for Restaurateur Joel Gazder
Neutral Winter Palette for Film Director Jeffrey Smith
A Confidence Boost for Producer Fello Matallana
The Transformative Power of Good Grooming for Recruitment Manager David Voyle
Evening Wear for Art Director Ale De Carvalho
To see the original piece, including a before and after slideshow, visit Project Upgrade: Tom Ford Edition at GQ Magazine.
All clothes, shoes, accessories and photography by Tom Ford.
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