The Tom Ford Coffee Table Books (2026): 001 vs 002 Compared
I've owned the original Tom Ford book since 2019 and bought 002 the day it dropped — after years with both volumes, here's exactly which one belongs in your home.
I've owned the original Tom Ford book since 2019 — it's been on every coffee table in every apartment I've lived in since. When 002 dropped in 2021, I bought it immediately. After years with both volumes, I can tell you exactly which one belongs in your home and why.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Both Tom Ford books have been in my personal collection for years — I only recommend what I actually own and display.
Quick Answer: Which Tom Ford Book Should You Buy?
- Buy 001 if you want the iconic status symbol, the fashion photography masterpiece, the book everyone recognizes
- Buy 002 if you want the complete Tom Ford story, contemporary imagery, and insight into his personal evolution
- Buy Both if you're a serious collector — the slipcased deluxe edition looks stunning together
Tom Ford 001: The Original Icon
| Author | Tom Ford & Bridget Foley |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 416 |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 2.1 x 14.4 inches |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
| Year | 2004 |
| Best For | Fashion history & status symbol |
This is the fashion coffee table book — the one that launched a thousand Instagram flatlays, the one interior designers reach for first, the one that signals you understand fashion without saying a word. I bought mine used for $45, and it's been worth every penny.
What makes it legendary: The 375+ photographs chronicle Ford's transformative decade at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent (1994-2004). The photographer roster is staggering: Richard Avedon, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton. The Gucci campaigns from pages 78-145 defined 90s fashion — those velvet suits, the white Gucci suit on a nude body, the controversial double-G branded imagery. Anna Wintour wrote the foreword; Graydon Carter (Vanity Fair) wrote the introduction. This isn't coffee table decoration — it's a primary source document of fashion history.
Why I reach for it: The black slip case with white typography is genuinely perfect. I've tried dozens of coffee table books, and nothing anchors a room quite like this one. The matte black absorbs light instead of reflecting it, making it work in any lighting condition. When guests pick it up — and they always do — the weight feels substantial, the pages have that thick, coated quality that screams quality.
The honest downsides: At 8.5 pounds, this will dominate your coffee table — which can be good or bad depending on your space. The slip case shows dust and fingerprints on the matte black surface; I wipe mine weekly. Some photographs feel dated now — the 90s/early 2000s aesthetic hasn't all aged well, particularly some of the more provocative shots that feel more gratuitous than artistic twenty years later. And at $135 retail (though often available for $50-70), it's a real investment.
The bottom line: If you buy one fashion coffee table book in your life, this is probably the one. The combination of historical significance, photography quality, and sheer visual impact remains unmatched.
Tom Ford 002: The Evolution
| Author | Tom Ford & Bridget Foley |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 444 |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 2.0 x 14.3 inches |
| Weight | 9.2 lbs |
| Year | 2021 |
| Best For | Contemporary fashion & personal story |
Seventeen years after 001, Ford released this follow-up documenting his independent Tom Ford brand from 2005 onward. I pre-ordered it, expecting a cash-grab sequel. I was wrong — this is a genuinely different book that complements rather than copies the original.
What sets it apart: The photography feels current — Inez & Vinoodh, Nick Knight, Mert & Marcus, Steven Klein. Models include Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Carolyn Murphy. But what surprised me most was Ford's candor. The text sections (particularly pages 34-67 and 312-358) discuss aging, fatherhood, his husband Richard Buckley's death, and what legacy means to him. This isn't just a fashion retrospective — it's Ford reflecting on his life at 60.
Why it earns shelf space: The production quality matches 001 — same dimensions, same slip case format, same paper weight. Displayed together, they look intentional. The fashion photography is technically superior (better printing technology, sharper images), though whether you prefer the aesthetic depends on your taste. I find myself reading 002 more often; 001 I admire, but 002 I actually engage with.
The honest downsides: The Tom Ford brand era (2005-2021) simply isn't as culturally significant as the Gucci/YSL transformation. Ford resurrected Gucci from near-bankruptcy and redefined luxury fashion; the Tom Ford brand, while successful, hasn't reshaped the industry the same way. Some sections feel like brand marketing rather than fashion history. And at $70-100, you're paying sequel pricing for what some might argue is less essential content.
The bottom line: Essential if you already own 001 and want the complete story. A solid standalone choice if contemporary fashion interests you more than 90s nostalgia. But if you're buying your first Tom Ford book, start with 001.
Tom Ford 001 & 002 Deluxe Slipcase Edition
| Contents | Both volumes in single slipcase |
| Publisher | Rizzoli |
| Pages | 860 (combined) |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 4.2 x 14.4 inches |
| Weight | 17.8 lbs |
| Best For | Serious collectors & statement piece |
For collectors who want both volumes, Rizzoli offers a deluxe slipcased edition containing 001 and 002 together. The combined presentation makes a serious statement — nearly 18 pounds of Tom Ford spanning 27 years of fashion history.
Is it worth it? If you're buying both books anyway, the deluxe edition typically offers slight savings and a more cohesive presentation. The single slipcase looks more intentional than two separate boxes. However, if you already own 001, there's no upgrade path — you'd be rebuying a book you already have.
The practical consideration: At nearly 18 pounds, this is genuinely heavy. Make sure your coffee table can handle it, and be realistic about whether you'll actually pick it up to browse. I keep my two volumes separate precisely because the combined weight makes them unwieldy.
Quick Comparison
| Book | Best For | Price | Weight | Pages | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Ford 001 | Fashion history & status symbol | $50-135 | 8.5 lbs | 416 | ★★★★★ |
| Tom Ford 002 | Contemporary fashion & personal story | $70-100 | 9.2 lbs | 444 | ★★★★ |
| Deluxe Edition | Serious collectors | $195 | 17.8 lbs | 860 | ★★★★½ |
How I'd Spend Different Budgets
Under $75: Tom Ford 001 from a reseller. Check Amazon for used copies in "Very Good" condition — I've seen them as low as $40. The slip case protects the book well, so used copies often look nearly new. This is genuinely the best value in fashion coffee table books.
$75-150: Tom Ford 001 new ($135) or 001 used + 002 new if you find good deals. I'd prioritize getting 001 in excellent condition over having both in mediocre condition.
$150-250: Both volumes separately or the Deluxe Edition. At this budget, you can build the complete Tom Ford library. The Deluxe Edition ($195) makes sense if you're buying fresh; separate volumes work better if you already own one.
$250+: The Deluxe Edition plus complementary fashion books. Consider pairing with Dior by Avedon, YSL by Farid Chenoune, or Valentino Garavani for a fashion designer corner of your library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tom Ford book worth it?
If you care about fashion, design, or creating a sophisticated home aesthetic — yes. At $50-70 for a used copy of 001, it's actually reasonable for what you get: 416 pages of museum-quality fashion photography that doubles as functional home decor. I've bought books for more that delivered far less.
Which Tom Ford book is more popular?
001 by a significant margin. It's the book that became a cultural phenomenon, the one referenced in interior design guides, the one you see in magazine spreads. 002 is excellent but hasn't achieved the same iconic status — and probably never will, given that 001 had seventeen years of head start.
Should I buy 001 or 002 first?
001, without question. It's more historically significant, more recognizable, and more frequently available at good prices. Buy 002 once you've lived with 001 and want more.
Can I buy both together?
Yes — the Deluxe Edition ($195) packages both in a single slipcase. Worth it for new collectors; less practical if you already own one volume.
Is the Tom Ford book good for small coffee tables?
Honestly, no. At 11.5 x 14.4 inches, it demands substantial surface area. On a small table, it will look oversized rather than elegant. If your coffee table is under 36 inches in any dimension, consider displaying it elsewhere — console, bookshelf, or bedroom nightstand.
Why is the Tom Ford book so popular for home decor?
The black and white color scheme works with literally any interior palette. The substantial size creates presence. The fashion credibility signals taste without being obscure. And practically, the matte black doesn't compete with other elements in your room — it anchors them.
Are there fake Tom Ford books?
I haven't encountered convincing fakes, but I've seen damaged copies misrepresented as "like new." Buy from reputable sellers, check return policies, and inspect the slip case corners (damage there is common and often undisclosed).
Last updated: January 2026. Prices fluctuate significantly for these books — I'll update when I notice major changes.
