After much buzz and anticipation, the world’s sexiest, swaggeriest designer of them all has finally opened up shop in Buckhead. He resurrected a faltering Gucci in the 90s with velvet hip huggers and silky, sultry, down-to-there tops. He dresses Bond and Gwyneth with equal aplomb. We’re talking, of course, about Tom Ford.
The new shop is bright and downright friendly, with womenswear on the left, menswear on the right (yes, there is a full-time tailor on site), and cosmetics and small accessories in the middle. Handbags with Ford’s signature giant brass zipper dot the walls, sequins from his eveningwear sparkle on the racks. Even the bathroom is seductive, all dark marble, with one of Ford’s erotic old Gucci campaign photographs on the wall. The best part is, although most of his goods start in the four digits, that middle section hits a sweet spot where you don’t have to be a millionaire to get a piece of Tom Ford. May we suggest a pair of his Aviators (at around $400, still not exactly cheap), a signature fragrance (Mandarino d’Amalfi, $225)—or better yet, one of his coveted lipsticks (we like Naked Coral, $52).
If you’re looking for fashion with a bit more value, your saving grace has arrived. European brand COS (pronounced like “cause”) recently opened below the Spanx HQ, and although it’s owned by H&M, its styles are anything but tweeny and trendy. With modern silhouettes, wide-leg pants, structural tops, and muted, monochromatic tones, its look reminds us of Jil Sander or Céline while its prices remind us of Zara, with dresses running from $89. (Its minimalist design puts its Scandinavian roots on full display.) Find womenswear, menswear, and a small—very chic—children’s section.
The Buckhead location is the eighth COS store to open in the U.S. since the company expanded to America in 2014 and the first to stake a claim in the Southeast. The brand has a cult following in L.A. and New York as well as across the pond; we’re predicting its sophisticated, fashion-forward affordable basics will be a big hit here too.
