Tom Ford has climbed to the pinnacle of the fashion industry through years of dedication, taking on various roles, including creative and film director. Alongside his demanding career, he is also a devoted father to his 12-year-old son, Alexander John Buckley Ford.
Born on September 23, 2012, in Los Angeles, Alexander is the son of Ford and his late husband, Richard Buckley, with whom he had a private marriage ceremony in 2014.
Together since 1986, Buckley was a steadfast supporter of Ford throughout his career. In a posthumous column, Buckley praised his husband’s keen observational skills, saying, “He sees everything, down to the last detail.
I’ve never met anyone as precise or observant. Nothing escapes him.” He added that Ford’s commanding presence at work has been crucial to his success.
Ford has previously expressed his desire for children and his intent to keep their lives private. In a 2011 interview with Time Out Hong Kong, he stated, “If I have children, no one will know until they are born, and I certainly wouldn’t use them for publicity.
You may not notice I had a child until they are 18, as I plan to keep them out of the spotlight.” True to his word, Ford has ensured that Alexander’s life remains largely private, with minimal public exposure.
Here’s what to know about Tom Ford’s son, Alexander John Buckley Ford.
He was born via surrogate
Alexander was born via surrogate on September 23, 2012, in Los Angeles, a decision made by Ford and Buckley.
He goes by the nickname “Jack”
Though his full name is Alexander John Buckley Ford, he is affectionately called “Jack” by his father and those close to him. “He has a very long fancy name, but I call him Jack,” Ford mentioned in an interview with Vogue’s André Leon Talley.
He is being raised in Los Angeles
Raised in Los Angeles, Jack’s upbringing contrasts with Ford’s own, who was born in Austin, Texas, and later lived in New York City.
Ford is a hands-on dad
In a conversation with André Leon Talley for Vogue, Ford shared insights into his hands-on approach to fatherhood. “I feed him in the morning, change his diaper, dress him, and play with him. I have a good two to three hours just me and Jack before heading to the office,” he explained.
He added, “I didn’t have a child to hand off to someone else; I’ve always wanted a child.”
However, following the passing of his husband, Ford has faced new challenges in this role. “It’s been hard after 35 years,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “Until recently, Richard helped me in the mornings.
The last month has been a struggle since he would typically handle [Jack’s] breakfast while I got ready. It’s been tough managing everything: getting him up, dressed, preparing lunch and breakfast, and then driving him to school by 7:45.”
He’s got designer sensibilities
As the son of a designer, Jack is influenced by his father’s aesthetic. Ford shared with The Wall Street Journal that he does not allow Jack to wear shorts to school and has only recently permitted him to wear graphic T-shirts.
“I tell him, ‘You’re never wearing shorts to school. Don’t ask again. Not happening. When you turn 18, you can wear whatever you want,’” Ford said. He added, “I consider myself a more formal, old-fashioned person by nature.”