The Heartbreaking Death Of Fashion Editor Richard Buckley

In the world of fashion journalism, few have made a career more peppered with successes than Richard Buckley. While you may know him as the longtime husband to fashion designer-turned-director Tom Ford, Buckley cemented his own place in the fashion world throughout his illustrious career as a journalist. Buckley was born in Binghamton, New York, but did not stay there long. In his youth, Buckley spent time in the United States, Germany, and France, and eventually attended university in Germany (via Vogue).

Getting his start at New York Magazine in 1979, Buckley went on to publish his work in a number of prominent fashion publications, including Women's Wear Daily and Vanity Fair, and eventually became the European editor for Mirabella Magazine. Following these major career milestones, Buckley earned a spot as a contributing editor for Italian Vogue and editor-in-chief at Vogue Hommes International (via People).

On the evening of Sunday, September 19, 2021, following a long career, happy marriage, and, most recently, fatherhood, Buckley died peacefully in the Los Angeles home that he shared with his family.

Richard Buckley's death was announced in a release from the Tom Ford company that read, "It is with great sadness that Tom Ford announces the death of his beloved husband of 35 years, Richard Buckley. Richard passed away peacefully at their home in Los Angeles last night with Tom and their son Jack by his side. He died of natural causes after a prolonged illness" (via Vogue).

Ford and Buckley met in an elevator, a meeting which Ford remembers clearly as love at first sight. Of the meeting, the designer said, "By the time that elevator landed on the ground floor I thought, 'You're the one.' That's it. Click. Sold. It was literally love at first sight." That love at first sight led to an iconic partnering that would span nearly four decades (via People). The couple shared an eight-year-old son named Jack.

Following the announcement of Buckley's death, countless celebrities including Naomi Watts, Helena Christensen, Cindy Sherman, and Poppy Delevigne shared their condolences and warm memories of the iconic journalist via social media. Of her time knowing him, designer Stella McCartney said, "Grace and charm filled the room when he was in it" (via Daily Mail). Buckley leaves behind an unmatchable legacy and a family and community that will miss him dearly.