Revealed: secret fashion show where Beyoncé was the star

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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It was the most secretive fashion show in recent memory and the hottest ticket at New York Fashion Week.

Tom Ford banned cameras and showed his debut womenswear collection in front of a select audience of 100 who were sworn to secrecy. There was no pre or post publicity or live streaming over the internet, sending the fashion rumour mills into overdrive as to what went on behind the doors of his Manhattan store in September.

But today the designer finally released his own images from the night — and they show Beyoncé in an embroidered fishnet and python-pattern sequin evening gown and fishnet boots.

Others who modelled his collection included Julianne Moore, Stella Tennant, Joan Smalls, Liya Kebede and Daphne Guinness.

Ford said he kept the show secret to stop high street chains such as H&M from copying his styles and was adamant the pictures and details would be released on his terms. It was his first womenswear collection under his own name since leaving Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Model Lauren Hutton said of the evening: "We didn't even know how extraordinary the clothes were, because we had only seen our own before in solitary fittings. But when we all lined up to go out — oh my! It was extraordinary to see."

Ford told Harper's Bazaar: "I've been perplexed ... when I would see a real designer collection, or couture collection, was being streamed live over the internet. I think it's pointless. Now listen, if I could have my clothes in stores within a month I would have them on the internet immediately.

"But because I can't have them in the store for five months, why should they go on the internet? Why should I help H&M figure out that leopard is the right thing for the season?"

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