Our modeling agency’s style icon this week is the inimitable Tom Ford, the fashion designer responsible for revamping and revitalizing the Gucci brand. He is known for creating designs that are sleek, sexy, and a little bit dangerous, and men everywhere can draw inspiration from his signature tailored look.

Judging by his public appearances, it seems that Tom Ford never leaves his (perfectly designed domicile) without looking impeccable, usually in a crisp white shirt, cufflinks, and jeans - although he can certainly rock a suit or even a tux in the evening. He has even created an eponymous men’s store that stocks ultra high end and bespoke clothing and accessories, perfect for the gentleman who wishes to recreate the Tom Ford style. Here are a few choice quotes that capture the way he looks at fashion, style, and glamour.

On creating a fashion line and the corresponding ad campaigns:

“I love fashion … What I love is the ability to express yourself, to be able to make a product and shoot an ad campaign that tosses you out into the world and lets you have a voice in contemporary culture, iconography.”

“What I did as a fashion designer for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent was to create a character and then costume that character throughout her life.”

On the power of a pair of killer heels:

“It totally changes your walk. It’s a different kind of sexy when you have on a lower heel, and I start always with the shoe.”

On the business of creating:

“Both film and fashion are businesses where the audience doesn’t feel or see the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

That last quote can also apply to modeling - never let your audience see the amount of effort that went into your look and keep an upbeat, pleasant attitude no matter what.  That said, despite his slick appearance, Tom Ford definitely understands the importance of putting in the work required to create something amazing - and that makes him an inspiration beyond our typical style icons.