Tom Ford's Russian expansion

Tom Ford to open stores in Moscow, Dubai and Beijing

Tom Ford launches luxury menswear line
Tom Ford launches luxury menswear line

Tom Ford to open stores in Moscow, Dubai and Beijing

Tom Ford, the designer credited with turning around the fashion house Gucci before launching his own label, has revealed plans to expand into Russia, the Middle East and China.

The US designer plans to open two new stores in Moscow by next autumn, offering designs - such as £2,500 custom-made suits and sable hats - tailored to the Russian market.

'Russians are hardwired to appreciate the fine things in life,' he said. 'They have been denied nice things for years.' He said his focus would remain on menswear and accessories.

Declaring that 'emerging markets are the future', he also revealed plans to open franchises in Beijing and Dubai, and a Tom Ford store in Milan's Via Verri next summer.

Asked whether there was still a market for high-end goods amid the economic slowdown, he replied: 'Of course there's always going to be a few little bumps and hitches along the way but I'm very bullish on luxury for the next decade, as long as we're delivering the right product.'

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