In 1990, Tom Ford moved to Milan to join Gucci as their women's fashion designer - in 1994 he was appointed as chief creative designer. He was responsible for the design of all product lines, ranging from clothes to perfume and related also responsible for the Gucci Group's image, advertising campaigns and store design.

In 2000, Tom Ford took over the position as creative designer for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche and YSL Beaute alongside its existing responsibilities at Gucci. Ford worked with all creative design team at YSL and helped to define all communication for the YSL brand.

In July 2002, Ford was appointed vice-chairman of Gucci Group. In April 2004, said Tom Ford up, then (exactly one year after) launched its own brand - Tom Ford.