Haider Ackermann, celebrated for his poetic tailoring and sensual approach to fashion, marks a new era at Tom Ford with the unveiling of his debut campaign. Born in Colombia in 1971 and adopted by French parents, Ackermann’s cosmopolitan upbringing, spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, has long influenced his distinctive design language. After studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, he launched his eponymous label in 2001, quickly gaining acclaim for his fluid drapery, rich color palettes, and a modern, androgynous edge. Ackermann’s work has drawn comparisons to Yves Saint Laurent and has led to creative roles at Berluti and, most recently, Canada Goose, before his appointment at Tom Ford in 2024.
Ackermann’s inaugural campaign for Tom Ford, lensed by Mark Kean, offers a cinematic vision that both honors and reimagines the brand’s legacy. Fashion editor Jacob K brings a contemporary sharpness to the styling, while Tom Wright and Lucy Bridge lead hair and makeup, creating a polished yet raw aesthetic. The casting, featuring Henry Kitcher at Ford Models, Julia Nobis at DNA Models, Kristen McMenamy and Charlie Jones at The Lions, and Scott Barnhill at Soul Artist Management, reflects Ackermann’s unique relationship with the fashion world, uniting icons and new faces to embody a cross-generational narrative. This deliberate blend of established and rising talent underscores Ackermann’s belief in fashion as an ongoing dialogue and positions Tom Ford’s new chapter as both reverent and forward-looking.
The campaign’s visuals are charged with bold color, sculptural silhouettes, and a sense of intimate drama. Ackermann’s signature play with texture and proportion is evident throughout, bringing a tactile sensuality to the collection while maintaining Ford’s legacy of sleek sophistication. The images, described as cinematic and daring, set the tone for a house in creative transition, one that values storytelling and emotion as much as surface and glamour.
Ackermann’s appointment was widely celebrated in the industry, viewed as a victory for creative risk and artistic integrity. His debut at Tom Ford signals a shift toward a more nuanced luxury, prioritizing individuality and narrative over formulaic glamour. The campaign, with its evocative casting and bold visual language, is a declaration of intent: Ackermann’s Tom Ford will be a space for experimentation, inclusivity, and the unexpected.
This first campaign not only introduces Ackermann’s vision but also reaffirms Tom Ford’s position at the intersection of modernity and tradition. As the fashion world watches closely, Ackermann’s ability to bridge heritage and innovation is already setting a new standard for what the future of the house might hold.
Designer: Haider Ackermann
Photographer: Mark Kean
Fashion Editor: Jacob K
Hair Stylist: Tom Wright
Makeup Artist: Lucy Bridge
Models: Charlie Jones, Henry Kitcher, Julia Nobis, Kristen McMenamy, Scott Barnhill
