Tom Ford's Store: Really, It's Zegna!

Ford signs some Estee Lauder crap. Crain's is reporting that Tom Ford has agreed to produce a line of clothing for Ermenegildo Zegna, which, at least at first, would only be available at Ford's new digs, planned as a Madison Avenue flagship that would kick off a series of Tom Ford-branded stores.

Mr. Ford signed a deal with Italian clothing manufacturer Ermenegildo Zegna Group to create a menswear line, which will include ready-to-wear and made-to-measure clothing, footwear, and accessories. Initially, the line will be available only at the Manhattan store, with wider distribution beginning in 2007.

The 10,000-aquare-foot store, on Madison between 70th and 71st Streets (which used to house Gianfranco Ferre, and is a block from the Rhinelander mansion home of the Ralph Lauren flagship) will open with the Zegna-Ford fall clothing line.

- Tom McGeveran