"In April 2005, Ford announced the creation of the Tom Ford brand. Ford was joined in this venture by former Gucci Group president and chief executive officer Domenico De Sole, who serves as chairman of the company. In that same year, Ford announced his partnership with Marcolin Group to produce and distribute optical frames and sunglasses, as well as an allicance with Esteé Lauder to create the Tom Ford Beauty brand. Both the eyewear and beauty collections have been hugely successful and rank in the top 3 brands at specialty stores worldwide."