Tom Ford, the renowned fashion designer celebrated for his luxurious creations, has ventured into the realm of sustainability and ocean preservation with the launch of a remarkable timepiece crafted entirely from ocean plastic. This groundbreaking watch is part of the esteemed Tom Ford 002 collection, which was initially unveiled in the spring of 2019. By utilizing 100% ocean plastic sourced from oceans, coastlines, and uncontrolled landfills, this innovative accessory embodies the brand’s commitment to environmental consciousness. The sustainable material incorporated in the watch contains no virgin plastics or non-ocean bound plastics, and its origin can be traced back to the collection source. Moreover, the transportation of the ocean plastic granules is carbon neutral, while the compounding process is powered by solar energy in Switzerland. Boasting a 40mm case, a black DLC stainless steel screw caseback, and a distinctive braided strap woven entirely from ocean plastic, this timepiece seamlessly merges style with sustainability.
To further amplify its impact on ocean health and combat the prevailing issue of plastic pollution, Tom Ford has joined forces with the organization 52HZ to introduce The Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize. This pioneering initiative aims to stimulate innovation in the quest to discover a viable substitute for thin-film plastic and address the global challenge of plastic pollution. Additionally, the brand has committed to removing and preventing 490 pounds of plastic waste from polluting the ocean for every 1000 Ocean Plastic Timepieces sold. Designer Tom Ford underscored his belief in ethical luxury, asserting that “The Tom Ford customer is sophisticated with a heightened awareness of the issues facing our planet and the responsibility we have to protect it.” The Ocean Plastic timepiece will be available at Tom Ford boutiques worldwide and online, with a retail price of $995, marking a milestone as the inaugural luxury watch created entirely from ocean plastic.
Through the launch of this environmentally-conscious timepiece and the initiation of the Plastic Innovation Prize, Tom Ford aims to catalyze substantial change within the fashion industry and contribute to the global battle against plastic pollution. The prize will grant $1 million to innovative solutions that have a positive environmental impact and are poised for scalability and market readiness by 2025. Applications for the prize will be open from the end of January 2021, with detailed guidelines and regulations accessible on the dedicated website at plasticprize.org.
In collaboration with Lonely Whale’s 52HZ advisory service, Tom Ford’s remarkable strides in sustainability and innovation not only redefine the boundaries of fashion but also establish a new benchmark for conscientious luxury. This initiative underscores the potential for the fashion industry to serve as a steadfast ally in environmental preservation, spotlighting the influential role that brands can play in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
To learn more about the Tom Ford 002 collection and the Ocean Plastic timepiece, visit Tom Ford Official Website.
For information on sustainability efforts in the fashion industry, explore Vogue Business Sustainability Section.
