Tom Ford on London and Business Sense - "Don't Do It - Call Me First"

As one of the – if not the – seminal designer of this generation, Tom Ford deserves a bit of attention, especially when he’s talking about fashion. In his latest interview – a nice sit down with The Telegraph – he talks London and the new kids on the block.

Tom Ford looking sharp at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars Party at Sunset Tower

London, says Ford – who has hit every capital city in the world, probably, "is one of the few cities where people still dress properly and fashion exists. Every day I see women who've thought about their outfits. They've picked out the bag, put on proper shoes," he says.

“But half the restaurants I go to demand you wear a tie". (Now there's a telling detail, although today he's in his habitual narrow-cut dark suit, tieless, with a white shirt.),” he adds. "Do you know how rare it is in parts of America to actually see 'an outfit? France? I don't want to be anti-French but there isn't a more unattractive group of people on the streets."

The English capital is the location for Ford’s 89th store. His brand is closing in on a €1b turnover, but when he sees new brand owners hand over 51% of their business – he’s 100% in charge of his – he flinches. "When I read about young designers selling 51 per cent of their company to someone else, I cringe. I want to say don't do it - call me first,” he explains.

Even with a squiffy tie, he's still looking smart