Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/579640
– TOM FORD Natalia Patchwork bag $3,490, at the Tom Ford boutique (opening October 1 in River Oaks District) and at Neiman Marcus. Also, do you have plans to write a novel or short story collection? TF: I read A Single Man in the early 1980s when I was in my 20s and had just moved to L.A. It spoke to me. I fell in love with the main character, George. I later met Christopher Isherwood and became obsessed with his work. I reread A Single Man in my mid-40s and found it to be a very spiritual book, and it had a different kind of relevance for me. I am still finishing up my screenplay for Nocturnal Animals and currently do not have plans to write any novels or short stories. But then again, I have also learned to never say never. JB: On favorite clients, people whom you have dressed. What qualities do they possess that you admire? TF: All of my favorite clients possess one essential element, and that is a strong sense of knowledge about themselves. A true sense of who they are. Knowing yourself is the most important thing in all aspects of life, I think. JB: You studied architecture, and I know that you are very exacting about your interior spaces (and the exterior ones, I am certain). Who is your favored architect? TF: There are so many great architects practicing today, but Tadao Ando is one of my favorites, and he designed our ranch in Santa Fe. Mies van der Rohe is my all-time favorite architect. He was brilliant. JB: Fashion design has been very good to you, and you to it. Name a person whose work/ vision/creations (other than Tom Ford) made you into the designer you are. TF: Ralph Lauren was really the first designer to create an entire world and not just clothes. Growing up, his approach to the fashion industry influenced me greatly. JB: How has residing in London changed you? Do you now take tea in the morning, or are you still drinking iced coffee? TF: Do I drink tea? No, I do not. I have never really understood tea, to be honest. It has always just seemed like brown water to me. I like the "bite" of strong coffee. As for London, it's a great city. I suppose that I am old-fashioned in that I do love a certain formality and politeness. Manners are important to me. I think that we have lost that a bit in the states. Except, of course, in Texas! JB: Your son, Jack. For whom (if anyone) was he named? TF: Afraid that I really don't talk about Jack in the press. JB: I imagine you approach your diet/dining with much thought. Do you dine out often? TF: I really watch what I eat. And I am lucky genetically, I think, too. I try to stick to a diet of fish and vegetables, but my one remaining vice is cheap candy and baked goods. If I am in America, Hostess Donettes are my weakness — those miniature powdered donuts. If I even see them, I have to eat the pack. So there is junk layered on top of a really healthy diet. JB: You've spoken at length about your alcohol philosophy and decision to quit drinking; that said, do you ever sip wine during a meal? I ask that because you seem to me someone who desires perfection in every bite of life. TF: In my 30s and 40s, I drank a lot. I have to say probably one of the reasons that my drinking did get out of control was living in London. You can very easily consume 10 drinks a day and be considered absolutely normal. It became too much. Once I stopped drinking, I found this clarity, which can be painful for a while, but my life has just fallen into place. I built a business, made a movie, had a child. I am much happier not drinking. And no, I do not sip wine with dinner. Not a smart thing for an alcoholic to do! JB: It is the fall of 2015. What is your 10-year plan from today? TF: I plan to continue working on building my fashion company, making films and, most importantly, being the best father possible to my son. "PEOPLE In Texas generally HAVE GREAT MANNERS. I LOVE THAT ABOUT TEXAS and TEXANS." Tom Ford Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, A Single Man, 2009 Fall/Winter 2015 Tom Ford on the set of A Single Man, 2009