fashion

Tom Ford’s $250 Million Real Estate Empire: From Fashion Mogul to Property Tycoon

By Columbus International,25 July 2024

Fashion designer turned real estate mogul Tom Ford has been quietly amassing a property portfolio worth over $250 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. Following the $2.8 billion sale of his eponymous fashion brand to Estée Lauder in early 2023, Ford has been on a real estate buying spree, adding at least three trophy homes to his already impressive collection.

“Ford presides over a real-estate empire that includes homes in New York, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Fla., and the Hamptons,” reports The Wall Street Journal. The publication also reveals that Ford recently acquired an Aspen, Colorado mansion for $42.25 million in a previously undisclosed deal.

The designer’s penchant for architecturally significant properties is evident in his portfolio. The Wall Street Journal notes that Ford has “bought and sold numerous architecturally significant homes, including properties in London and Paris, a Tadao Ando-designed ranch near Santa Fe, N.M., and a midcentury home in L.A. designed by Richard Neutra.”

Ford’s real estate acumen may be attributed to his background. As The Wall Street Journal reports, “Growing up in Santa Fe, his parents were both real-estate agents and he later studied interior architecture at Parsons School of Design in New York.”

Howard Morrel of Christie’s International Real Estate, who sold Ford the iconic Halston house in Manhattan, describes the designer’s portfolio as “subtle and sophisticated,” mixing historic homes with more modern architectural properties. “It’s not ostentatious, but it’s high drama,” Morrel told The Wall Street Journal.

From fashion to film directing and now real estate, Tom Ford continues to demonstrate his keen eye for style and value across multiple industries. As his property empire grows, it’s clear that Ford’s business acumen extends far beyond the runway.

Photo via Instagram

Italian Luxury Retailer Luisaviaroma Makes Bold U.S. Debut in Manhattan’s NoHo

By Columbus International,24 July 2024

In a strategic move that underscores the resilience of high-end retail and the enduring allure of New York City, Italian luxury fashion powerhouse Luisaviaroma has unveiled its first international brick-and-mortar location in Manhattan’s trendy NoHo district.

The 11,300-square-foot flagship store, which opened its doors on Monday at 1 Bond Street, marks a significant milestone for the 95-year-old company as it expands its global footprint beyond its iconic Florence headquarters. This calculated expansion comes at a time when Manhattan’s retail landscape is showing strong signs of post-pandemic recovery, buoyed by an influx of tourists and the gradual return of office workers.

Brandon Singer, CEO and founder of Retail by MONA, the brokerage firm behind the deal, spoke to CoStar about the strategic importance of the location. “Luisaviaroma recognized the incredible momentum on Bond Street,” Singer explained. “NoHo has rapidly evolved into one of Manhattan’s most coveted and stylish neighborhoods, making it the perfect backdrop for this luxury brand’s U.S. debut.”

The prime real estate doesn’t come cheap, with an annual asking rent of $3.2 million, reflecting the premium placed on high-visibility locations in Manhattan’s luxury retail corridors. However, for Luisaviaroma, the investment appears well-calculated. CEO Tommaso Andorlini previously revealed to Women’s Wear Daily that the United States accounts for a quarter of the company’s online sales, with New York City leading as its largest market.

This brick-and-mortar expansion strategy aligns with a broader trend of digital-first retailers recognizing the value of physical stores in building brand awareness and providing immersive shopping experiences. For Luisaviaroma, which has built its reputation on curating cutting-edge fashion from top designers, the New York store offers an opportunity to showcase its unique aesthetic and connect with its American customer base in a tangible way.

As Manhattan’s retail sector continues its upward trajectory, Luisaviaroma’s arrival is likely to be closely watched by industry insiders and competitors alike. It not only represents a vote of confidence in the city’s economic rebound but also signals the ongoing importance of New York as a global fashion capital.

With this bold move, Luisaviaroma is poised to capitalize on the resurgence of luxury retail and cement its position as a key player in the international fashion landscape. As the company writes its next chapter on American soil, the success of this venture could pave the way for further expansion and inspire other international brands to follow suit.

Valentino’s latest boutique has just landed at 654 Madison Avenue (Source: V Magazine)

By Columbus International,10 November 2023

Valentino‘s latest boutique has just landed at 654 Madison Avenue. After introducing their innovative global retail concept in 2022, which revolves around creating distinctive spaces based on a reinterpretation of the building’s structure through various sales experiences and approaches to interior architecture, the new flagship store in Manhattan is now a pivotal destination for Valentino enthusiasts. Boasting a selling space of 1142 sqm, the new establishment is situated on the corner of Madison Avenue and 60th Street. The building spans three floors, including a basement, a ground floor, a mezzanine, and a second floor. Adorned with iconic columns and tall windows, the space is meticulously designed to provide a glimpse into the materials and architectural silhouettes that define the essence of the boutique’s interiors.

Each floor narrates a unique visual story through chromatic compositions and thoughtfully curated materials palettes, incorporating the maison’s signature red tone. Upon entering, customers are welcomed by grand double doors featuring sculptural marble handles, inspired by the work of artisans whose creations are showcased in Valentino stores worldwide. These handles, crafted in ceramic by the artist Massimiliano Pipolo, are also incorporated within the store. Visitors can explore the grand features of the building, including seven-meter-high ceilings, exposed steel columns (spanning all floors), and a rough concrete finish around the perimeter, highlighted by illuminated shelving dedicated to Valentino Garavani Accessories.

The space is intelligently divided into functional zones through bespoke elements, such as a commanding green onyx display unit at the center, and diverse materials like marble carpets and concrete on the floors that delineate specific areas and functions. Towards the rear of the store, various interpretations of the iconic Rosso Valentino are displayed, along with a dedicated area for footwear featuring floors and seating in contrasting travertine red against the luminous onyx and concrete shelving. On the second floor, the Valentino Women Ready-to-Wear collection is showcased in oversized red lacquered wardrobe structures and matching seating, complemented by chequered floors in white Botticino and black Nero Marquina marbles. La nuova boutique di Valentino è appena sbarcata al 654 di Madison Avenue

Source and Photo: V Magazine