Lately, for reasons I can’t explain, I’ve really wanted to bedazzle a phone case. If you remember Paris Hilton’s T-Mobile Sidekick circa 2006, you know what I’m talking about: I want a case for my phone that is dotted with hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny, shiny crystals. I don’t know why this urge struck me a couple weeks ago—I’m not even a sparkle enthusiast!—but I’ve been so unable to shake it that I’ve looked into getting bulk crystals and the needed tools to make my own because it seems like it would be a very soothing, detail-oriented type of activity. Apparently, Tom Ford and I are having some kind of mind meld on this topic, based on the bags he sent down the runway at his fall 2018 runway show in new York.
Tom Ford has never been a subtle designer; he’s made a legendary occupation out of embracing straightforward glamor and sensuality, so he’s long been a fan of glittering finishes and animal prints. Both those details take a significant place in this collection, with an especially significant emphasis on crystal-encrusted hardware. Oh, and you’ll also notice something of a, uh, women’s empowerment message on some of the bags. As always, with Tom Ford, there is no subtext, only text. In this case, literally.
[Photos by means of vogue Runway]