The recent release of Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man revisited the sleek style that the Texan designer is so well known for. But far beyond its visual elegance, perhaps expected from this design star, the film reveals that Ford’s artistic flair extends far beyond fabric… hello hidden talent! Following Ford’s cue, we take a closer look at the interestingly unexpected non-fashion pursuits of a few other trendsetters.

A Lagerfeld snap

Chic Shots – Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld must never sleep! Besides designing for three labels, he is also an acclaimed photographer. First making a name for himself behind the camera in 1987 when shooting the look books for his label, he has since been the creative source for advertising at Chanel, Fendi and Dom Pérignon, and has done covers and editorial spreads for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, to name a few.

Besides fashion, his portfolio includes cityscapes, portraits and even a photographic interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s A Portrait of Dorian Grey. Lagerfeld has published a number of photography books, has exhibited his work in galleries internationally, and was even honoured at the International Center of Photography’s Infinity Awards in New York in 2007.

Hotel Couture – Christian Lacroix

Christian Lacroix, known for his extravagant couture pieces, has unleashed his style savvy on two upscale Parisian hotels. As the interior designer for Le Petit Moulin, a boutique hotel in the artsy Marais quarter, and Le Bellechasse, a 4-star address seconds from the Musée D’Orsay, Lacroix’s vibrant and whimsical visions are translated on the walls and floors of eclectically styled bedrooms.

At Le Petit Moulin, Lacroix interprets the diverse character of the Marais in 17 unique rooms, including #204, whose walls are adorned with frescos of his sketches. At Le Bellechasse, toile is paired with dragonfly ceiling and wall art. A hotel stay signed Christian Lacroix starts at €170 / night.

Wang puts her style on ice

Ice Style – Vera Wang

Have you ever wondered who is the mastermind behind those sometimes overly sequinned figure skating costumes? Response: Vera Wang. Not only is she a former pairs skater herself (she competed in the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and turned in her skates for a sewing kit when failing to make the Olympic team), but she is costume designer to a number of American stars, including Nancy Kerrigan, Michele Kwan, and recent gold medalist Evan Lysacek.

Her “made-for-ice” creations reflect her style: elegant, simple, with some designs inspired by the bridal aesthetic Wang is so well-known for. Word has it that Wang even hit the ice with Lysacek before designing five costumes, including the snake-embellished ensemble he donned for his final skate in Vancouver.

Vino Moda – Roberto Cavalli

You can add wine maker to Roberto Cavalli’s C.V! Although he isn’t new to the spirits industry (he launched a vodka in 2006), Cavalli teamed with son Tommaso and enologist Carlo Ferrini for the 2007 debut of the Degli Dei Toscana IGT Cavalli Selection 2004, a red blend wine produced at the 25-hectare vineyard on his estate near Panzano in Chianti.

Full-bodied and flavourful, the wine was awarded 90 points in a blind tasting by Wine Spectator’s European bureau chief the summer before its release. Produced in limited quantity, there are currently three available vintages. Every year the bottles feature a fabric print (think leopard or zebra) made famous by the fashion house: a Roberto Cavalli personal touch to the vino sporting his name. For more information, visit the estates’ website.

A different kind of fashion illustration...

Comic Fashion – Isaac Mizrahi

American designer Issac Mizrahi is a bit of a jack-of-all trades. Along with designing, he has acted in a number of television series and movies, hosted a short-lived chat show, and interviewed on the red carpet for televised Hollywood awards pre-shows. But perhaps the strangest Mizrahi exploit is the 1997 comic book series, Sandee, the Adventures of a Supermodel, which explores the path from discovery to fame of a young blond beauty from Utah.

Along the way Sandee deals with certain fashion industry tribulations including anorexia, drugs, jealousy and difficult agents and editors, all the while accompanied by her sidekick best friend, Yvesaac Mizrahi (the name is so oddly familiar…). The 32-paged color comic, illustrated by William Frawley, is still available for purchase on Amazon.