from what i hear, the new Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is worth seeing just for the clothes Daniel Craig wears while living the life of the notorious 007.
craig’s wardrobe is sparse yet elegant, with colors limited mainly to black, white, blue and gray, according to louise frogley, costume designer of “Quantum of Solace.” (frogley - now that’s an unfortunate name for a costume designer…) frogley brought on designer tom ford to style craig for the film. among ford’s designs was - of course - bond’s tuxedo, done in midnight blue with a classic shawl collar. the cut of the tux had to be perfect - since bond runs, jumps, and dodges bullets - all while he and his suit look flawless. the tom ford jackets have a roomy “skirt,” (the section of a suit jacket that hangs below the waist,) to make action possible.
“the jackets would swirl when daniel was doing a lot of movement,” frogley recalls. “they’re perfect for bond. in the ’90s, the popular cut of suits was big but now it’s the ’60s slimmer italian cut.”
so do you have to knock over a bank to buy the tom ford “james bond” tux (which sells for $4,650)? of course not. (even if you have the $4,650, i’m not sure you should spend it on a tux, unless you actually are an international spy, in which case, buy two.) (tom ford tux, top left.)
here are some tips that will help you dress like bond while keeping some of your cash to gas up your aston martin.
banana republic has its upper-scale BR Mongram line, and they have a strikingly similar tux for a lot less. like tom ford’s (coincidentally, i’m sure…) it has a shawl collar and single-button jacket, priced at $450. the pants are an additional $198. (middle pic, top)
and cashmere? why not? especially since it’s on sale! this gray argyle slimmer-fit cardigan is 100% cashmere, and it’s reduced from $325 to $129.99 (XL is the only size still available, so don’t wait!) (pic top right)
and how can a hipster guy be bond without aviators? these are the authentic tom ford version designed just for the Quantum of Solace movie. they are on ebay for $349, and retail for over $600. (middle row left)
oh, and if you’re going to be dressed authentically, you’ll need the right tie. (don’t try to get away with that wide bright red one that you’ve had since graduation…) this vintage tie measures 55″ x 2 3/8″, and is 100% dacron and polyester. it has an “in and out” diagonal fade in black and gray and a yin and yang embroidered center motif. $15 (middle row center)
and that most essential of the bond accessories (besides a beautiful woman) - the black wool trench coat. this one was found on ebay for $59.95. an identical one from dior homme sells for over $1000. (middle row right)
j crew has a pair of vintage slim-fit selvedge jeans in “worn rinse wash“. these are constructed of authentic selvedge cotton denim, made in one of japan’s oldest and most renowned mills, with denim woven on the original 100-year-old narrow looms. each pair is stonewashed, hand-distressed and hand-finished. each pair is considered a collector’s item. they are slim through the hip and thigh and have a narrow leg. $150. (pic bottom left)
a real steal for the 007 look is this ebay find of a juicy couture black denim military style jacket. its a size large and the auction ends in 5 days. the starting bid is $49.99 and the buy it now price is $69.99. this is brand new, with the tags still on, and retails for $248. (pic bottom middle)
and of course, james bond always wears an omega watch. (at least since 1995, starting with a product placement in Golden Eye, but the deal has grown into a huge advertising collaboration.) this one is a men’s vintage 60s omega seamaster 17J with a nice blue dial. the current bid is $332 and 3 days remain on the auction. (pic bottom right)
so go shopping, get dressed, and take the aston martin out for a spin!
stay chic,
julie
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