The Australian premiere of the latest Bond film takes place this month and the hype about ‘Spectre’ is only just beginning. Let’s face it, what man hasn’t dreamt of being 007 at some point? The adventures, fast cars, dry martinis and the killer wardrobe… it’s the stuff that dreams are made of.
The latest movie kicks off with Bond receiving a cryptic message from the past, which sends him on a rogue mission to find the criminal organisation, Spectre. With Bond film revisiting classic rivalries, bespoke suit design company, InStitchu also decided to go back in time, to revisit old characters and take a look at the evolution of Bond’s classic style.
For those channeling their inner Bond, there are even a few style tips you can follow.
1962 – 1983: Sean Connery was the first actor to bring Ian Fleming’s James Bond to life, defining the character on the screen in seven films. He is the actor who made suits “everyday” outfits.
Whether it’s the perfectly carved three-piece Conduit Cut in ‘Goldfinger’ or the fine textured perfectly fitting charcoal coloured suit worn in ‘Dr. No’, Connery was the first one to give Bond his legendary style, which is still being imitated after five decades.
1969: George Lazenby took to the formidable task of succeeding Sean Connery as MI6 agent with characteristic charm and confidence. In ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ saw Lazenby sport more liberal designs, tweed, gray textured suits and thin ties.
1973 – 1985: Roger Moore brought wit and sense of humour to the role of 007 — his Bond sported French-cuff shirts, which became his trademark. Moore embraced classy styles and fitted pants, introducing new colour palettes to Bond’s traditional style, while maintaining the sensuality and sophistication.
1987 – 1989: Timothy Dalton slipped into 007’s tuxedo in 1987 and became the fourth actor in the series to define Bond’s style. He introduced this very English style in ‘Licence to Kill’.
1995 – 2002: Pierce Brosnan’s performance as 007 saw a big shift of Bond’s style to a minimalist classic look. Brosnan donned uber-smooth Italian designer suits, leather jackets, knee length overcoats and all black ensembles.
2006 – 2015: Daniel Craig brought the danger and seductive rawness to the screen in 2006, redefining James Bond for the 21st Century. The brooding Bond today dresses in outstandingly fitting Brioni, Tom Hard suits and solo button tuxedos, maintaining the characteristic elegance. We see mix of tuxedos, from black in ‘Casino Royale’ to midnight blue in ‘The Quantum of Solace’ to lighter shades in ‘Skyfall’ as well as the legendary white tux, which makes a resurgence in ‘Spectre’. The seductive white braces with black bow tie and cufflinks added to the X-Factor and gave the new age Bond a debonair look.
Bond’s style and sophistication has developed and been refined many times over the years. For today’s modern man trying to achieve such an iconic look, co-founder of InStitchu James Wakefield says it can be done by taking a few simple lessons from the Bond’s style icons.
“Pay attention to the details and put a great emphasis on the fabric. Try to keep it plain and limit colours to charcoal grey, black and navy all of which will ensure you cut a smart figure. Remember, modern Bond only wears single-breasted suits and always keeps the button fastened, so you should too.
“When it comes to shirts, go for pale blues, plain whites and pale cream hues. Shirt cuffs are also an important component if you are trying to emulate the Bond look, and if it’s a black tie occasion, a single-breasted tuxedo either with peaked lapels or a shawl lapel will ensure you look the part.
“And finally but most importantly, remember, it’s shaken not stirred.”