MEN’S MAY STYLE – TOM FORD IS SIMPLY EVERYTHING

We look at all things Tom Ford in our interview with our friend, Steve Burke

There are some fashion names who really are such an integral part of their brand’s success. However, when it comes to contemporary chic, no-one walks the walk quite like Tom Ford. The man who revived Gucci in the nineties, and left his mark on Saint Laurent, launched his own label 18 years ago, to acclaim, applause and the devotion of an army of fans.

Ford is a man who knows how to design for men, and women. His looks aren’t shy and retiring, and his advertising campaigns over the years have caused controversy and sparked conversation. Known for his signature black clothing, accessories and eyewear, Ford has added bolts of colour this season. His menswear has additional hints of metallics and bronzes and golds, with some sports luxe pieces as well as immaculate tailoring. Genius.

Tom Ford eyewear is as distinctive as any arm of his product portfolio – nothing is left to chance, and every design is marked out with his famous ‘T’ logo. However, within the range there is plenty of scope for being bold or being a little more classic.

As a designer, Tom Ford is award-winning and industry-leading, as the chairperson of the CFDA – the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has just been a chair of the famous Met Gala, and he is widely respected as a creative as well as being, personally, one of the most chic men on the planet.

Tom Ford looks great in Tom Ford. That is a given. But how do his designs work on real-life guys? We asked our friend Steve Burke to call in and try on our new TF drop, and we then got the chance to talk to him about life, style, and all things Mr. Ford. How can we describe Steve? An experienced teacher, Steve is also a fully-trained stuntman, regular film extra, health and fitness practitioner and all-round good fella.

Steve wears Tom Ford TF908

Steve dons Tom Ford TF832

Steve looks great in Tom Ford TF852

We have to ask about Peaky Blinders first! What was it like filming the final series here in Liverpool and being on set with actors like Stephen Graham?

It was an absolute masterclass in acting. Actors like Stephen are so inspiring – he has a great sense of humour, but he really is all about the work. Seeing actors of the Peaky Blinders calibre, up-close, in such physical and intense scenes taught me a lot. The cast were really generous on-set, spending time with us and making us feel involved and valuable. Obviously, I had to stay tight-lipped about anything I filmed, so it was really exciting when the episodes aired. The whole experience was a pinch-me moment.

When it comes to your own style, is there anyone who inspires you?

In my own world, which normally revolves around sport and fitness, you will normally find me in casual attire, but we are lucky now that most ranges have a lot of leisure pieces. When it comes to who I look up to, then I don’t think you can beat a Hollywood classic – Steve McQueen from back in the day, and Ryan Reynolds now.

We loved having you in store trying out the Tom Ford Eyewear range – what do you love about this label?

I know that Tom designs for everyone, but this is one label where us guys feel really included and appreciated. The man himself is such an inspiration – his own style is absolutely flawless, isn’t it? He is a class act, and so is TF as a label. I loved all of the eyewear I tried on, and the range is so luxurious. It’s also really important to try frames on – I usually stick to one style, and this gave me an opportunity to find out what suited my face shape, with Mark’s help, of course!

These are the accessories I love from the new range. Great to team with Tom Ford eyewear, and my favourite Tom Ford fragrances – the TF Brighton Sandal, Classic T leather belt, and TF Airpod Case.

What’s next in life for you, Steve?

The million dollar question! I like going where the road takes me. I plan my days, and still being involved in education, and at the moment I’m involved with kids who need another chance when it comes to learning, for lots of reasons. This involves teaching in smaller groups, and giving students the opportunity to have a great education. I’ve just auditioned for my dream role, with the summer coming up, and all I can say is – I’ll keep you posted. Whatever I do, I just like to work hard and stay focused.

Thanks to Steve for the sit-down and style chat. As we celebrate 30 Years of Blankstone this year, we look forward to welcoming our regular guys, and new clients, searching for an eyewear refresh. Tom Ford remains one of our key brands at Blankstone, there’s just something about this label that appeals to everyone who walks through our Derby Square doors.

What can we say? The tall, cool Texan has a way with accessories which puts him in a class of his own.

Our point is proved.

You can view our full Tom Ford eyewear range here:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/tom-ford/

Additional images courtesy of Tom Ford/Vogue Runway

Thanks to Steve for joining us this month. You can follow him on Instagram here:

https://instagram.com/stevieburke1/

Our resident style expert Nancy Buckland-Kirk interviewed Steve for this TF special. Nancy is a noted fashion writer and reporter, who will be contributing her own style slant for our Blog: eyewear, trends and beyond.