As a fashion designer, I was always aware that I was not an artist, because I was creating something that was made to be sold, marketed, used, and ultimately discarded.

It's looked down upon to be too stylish. Awards and nominations
Ford has been recognized by important design and cultural councils worldwide including the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum and TIME. Hardwick later recalled the incident: "I had every intention of giving him no hope.

He gained international fame for his turnaround of the Gucci fashion house and the creation of the Tom Ford label before directing the Oscar-nominated film A Single Man.