Impeccable suits, classic accessories: elements of the James Bond look
With a franchise spanning 23 films from the swinging sixties to the current day there are an array of Bond looks to offer inspiration — from the particularly tight trunks sported by current star Daniel Craig in 2006’s Casino Royale to original Bond Sean Connery’s tailored tuxedos.
Manicured suiting
According to fashion stylist Andre Austin, Connery is “hands down the best and most stylish” of Bonds from over the years — due to his “classic sophistication and well manicured suiting”.
Good news for those looking to recreate Connery’s classic look — this year the tailor behind the iconic Conduit Cut made famous by the actor in movies such as Dr. No and Diamonds Are Forever has relaunched its bespoke tailoring service.
It was in the late 1950s that British tailor Anthony Sinclair created the classic, pared-down shape, which became known as the Conduit Cut. One of his clients Terence Young, director of 1962’s Dr. No, asked Sinclair to oversee the creation of Bond’s suave and classic style.
Under the creative control of British designer David Mason, Anthony Sinclair is now reviving its founder’s signature philosophy to produce timeless clothing for a new generation.
Aspiring Bonds will need to make an appointment to visit the label’s London store, although a range of neckties are also available for purchase at www.anthonysinclair.com.
Must-have accessories
If bespoke suits are a little outside your price range, accessories can be a more affordable way to make a nod to Bond’s iconic aesthetic. Dedicated website jamesbondlifestyle.com offers plenty of tips for 007s in the making, including a guide to Bond essentials such as suitcases, cufflinks and sunglasses.
Significant frames include the Persol 2672, worn by Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day, Calvin Klein 2007 shades, also sported by Brosnan in The World is Not Enough, and Tom Ford sunglasses, model TF108, worn by Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace.
Other key accessories Bond fans can still get their hands on include the hat Connery wears in the first Bond movies. The Sandown trilby model is still available at the original store, Lock & Co. Hatters in London. Meanwhile, custom-made hat company Baron California also offers a reproduction of Connery’s Dr. No trilby. For more details see http://www.baronhats.com/JamesBond.htm.
Essential swimwear
Finally, for any gentlemen preparing to take a vacation, Bond emerging from the sea in his figure-hugging blue trunks in Casino Royale will no doubt provide a source of inspiration.
These were made by luxury swimwear company La Perla as part of its Spring/Summer 2006 collection, although men looking for something a little more modest will be pleased to know in upcoming picture Skyfall Daniel Craig will be sporting a less revealing style by designer swimwear label Orlebar Brown.
One of the first pictures from the unreleased film show Bond by a swimming pool in a sky-blue Setter style by the London label. With their short length and tailored shape, the Setter style is perfect for swimming in style and can be found at http://www.orlebarbrown.com/.
