Tom Ford

While Tom Ford was still designing for Gucci, Gucci Group took over YSL, fired Alber Elbaz and promptly tapped Ford to replace Elbaz, naming him creative director for the entire house. His first collection for YSL Rive Gauche debuted for spring 2001. Ford is credited, more so than Elbaz, with rejuvenating the brand with his signature sex appeal and marketing skill during his 8 seasons there, as his collections were commercially successful. However, he reportedly did not get along with Saint Laurent and Berge. He also caused a stir with his provocative ad campaign for the Opium fragrance, which featured Sophie Dahl writhing around naked. Ford left YSL in 2004 because of disputes with PPR over control of the group.