1990s Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Psychedelic Swirl Silk Velvet Pants Documented

Gucci is renowned for its prints and the psychedelic swirl on these pants is among its most iconic. The pattern of undulating ripples in emerald, garnet and gold was designed by Tom Ford during his heyday as creative director for the Italian fashion house. He was winning over fans—and raising critics’ brows, as well—by making luxurious looks for a woman he envisioned as sultry, bold and glamorous.

The psychedelic swirl exemplified this, debuting in the fall 1999 runway collection for which Ford took the unbridled decadence of the Seventies disco era as his inspiration. He used the print in silk velvet on purses (an example of which is prominently showcased in Florence’s Gucci Museo), skirts and these fit-and-flare pants.

The elongating silhouette that hugs the thighs and then widens past the knees was a modern interpretation of bell bottoms, and fashion editors took notice. Vogue UK dedicated its September 1999 cover to the look, worn by Gisele Bündchen and photographed by Mario Testino. The headline read, “Sleek, Chic & Sexy,” a description that still endures to this day.

Size estimate: S/M

Measurements:

Size: 40

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 34 inches

Total length: 48 inches

These Gucci by Tom Ford FW1999 runway psychedelic swirl pants are in excellent condition.  They are made in a printed silk velvet, with the Gucci logo in a small script throughout. Their fit-and-flare silhouette is partially lined and absent of pockets to enhance the sleek look and elongate the figure.

The trousers close on the side with a hidden metal zipper with a Gucci logo pull. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.