A New Paradigm for Beauty?

Is the world eagerly awaiting the debut of a color cosmetics line from a fashion designer? John Demsey of Estée Lauder certainly thinks so, and he told Women’s Wear Daily that the launch of Tom Ford’s beauty brand will represent a new paradigm for the industry.

Since forming their relationship in 2005, Tom Ford’s beauty business with Lauder has reached $150 million at retail, with 95% of that total coming from fragrance, according to sources. Now, Ford wants more.

In September, Ford will roll out a 132-stockkeeping-unit collection with prices ranging from $30 to $250 and will be sold in Tom Ford stores and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue doors in the U.S. Elsewhere, the brand will be in top doors such as Italy’s La Rinascente and the U.K.’s Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Pricing will be at the market pinnacle on par with top-end cosmetic brands like By Terry and Shiseido’s Cle de Peau.