Tom FordLOS ANGELES, Mar 29, 2004/ FW/ — There were emotional goodbyes in Milan and Paris for the outgoing Gucci designer. Tinseltown had the privilege of welcoming him to Hollywood, with all the glitz and glamour expected from this town.

Last night at Rodeo Drive, Tom Ford became the second recipient of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award (the first one was Giorgio Armani).

On a black carpet (in lieu of the traditional red carpet), with video footages of Gucci’s Fall 2004 collection shown in Milan, and with 800 guests composed mainly of fashion and film insiders, Tom Ford received the Robert Graham-designed statuette in recognition of his contribution to fashion.

“I’ve gotten a number of awards I was embarrassed to hang up in my house, but this is a Robert Graham, and for that, I’m grateful,” Tom Ford told his guests.

It was a star-studded affair beginning with Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, Heather Graham, Angie Harmon, Christina Applegate, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Kate Beckinsale, Bai Ling, Nicky Hilton, Shannon Doherty, Pamela Anderson… The list can go on and on.

Tom Ford, the quintessential gracious host arrived with his long time companion Richard Buckley, earlier than most of the guests.

The party, which was supposed to start at 8:00 PM, did not really get going until it was very late. With guests arriving until 10:00 in the evening, and with photographers continuously taking photos the whole evening, it was truly a Hollywood night welcoming one of its newest citizens.