Recession not withstanding, I just came from the new Tom Ford Shop at Bergdorf Goodman’s Men’s. Granted, it opened ages ago, however, I had avoided it at all costs as I’m too weak-willed, and really not a masochist, and seeing what I can’t have smacks of self-inflicted sadism. The first step in CA (Couture Anonymous) is…“I admit I’m powerless over couture”. Regardless, the beneficent Tom Ford “Shop in Shop” is, as Deborah Kerr would have described it, “the closest thing to heaven on earth…in New York.” It is the largest “Shop in Shop” in the world, or at least so the promotional materials report. At 1,600 square feet, it’s roughly three times the size of my studio apartment. The “Shop in Shop” is like glamorous squared. I think the mathematical equation is GL m(ore) Uus = 2. The “Shop in Shop” is all part of Tom Ford’s master plan for world domination. A goal he will as likely achieve as easily as others had invading Poland, or occupying Paris (don’t laugh it was done.) I won’t say the “Shop in Shop” is over the top, but Edith Wharton would be impressed, and likely would have taken copious notes.
There is no economy in a Tom Ford suit; the prices are as deep as his lapels. You do not inquire where the sales rack is. Bergdorf Goodman’s doesn’t run sales or offer green stamps. Granted, there has been no “bail-out”, or re-marketed “rescue plan” for retailers. The holiday season is upon us as, so will it be buy, buy, buy, or bye–bye? The economy is as shaky as the Brady Bunch’s house of cards. (Episode: the girls want a sewing machine, the boys want a rowboat, there are only enough green stamps to purchase one or the other, it’s settled with a bet on who can build the tallest house of cards.) I’d love to purchase a Tom Ford Suit, but I’d have to sell my organs on Craigslist, or EBay, and I think they sort of frown on the practice of selling kidneys for couture. Please note that Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, is dripping in Tom Ford in this years latest 007 installment "Quantom Of Solace". Be still my heart! I could go panhandling on the subway, or stand outside the Plaza in my Barney’s Co-op Versace, donning a sad face, and a cardboard sign scribbled in Sharpie marker that reads…
Vogue Homme-less will work for Dior Stranded needs D & G to get home Even your Prorsum helps!
…but I doubt many tourists, or locals would be bemused. Still the Tom Ford “Shop in Shop” is a remarkable tribute to the strength of economy, the perseverance of the upper class, and blind faith in capitalism, that business despite the obstacles, goes on as usual.
Tom Ford, who departed Dior too soon, has floundered, but managed to re-emerged like a Phoenix. The perennial bad boy of fashion is as well known for his exquisite tailoring, as he is for “free-balling”. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but personally, that’s more information than I care to have about a designer. Still, the ego driven label is as desirous as the arc of Moses or Indiana’s Jones’s Crystal Skull. Tom Ford is a marketing strategist .Tom Ford is an attractive man, and a sterling example of branding and persona. His stores, and “Shop in Shops” are the physical embodiment of the brand, and his persona, smart, stylish, smarmy, sexy, sharp, and seductive.
By the way, the Brady’s compromised, and bought a color TV with their green stamps.
