James Bond Style in No Time To Die

What you first notice when watching any of the James Bond movies is the fact that 007 is always dressed to the nines. No doubt that designers must all secretly dream of dressing James Bond, but this right is reserved to a privileged few. Let’s explore some of the brands found in the wardrobe of the famous secret agent in the latest instalment, “No Time To Die.” An article published in our limited-edition print Gentologie Magazine Issue 9 on the James Bond Style.

The various style and locations

1. Italy
2. Jamaican retreat
3. The Tom Ford era
   1. Tuxedo
   2. Shoes
   3. Suits
4. The tactical looks
5. The Forest look

 

Italy’s Lightness

Obviously, Mr. Bond is not wearing a suit throughout the movie. Upon arriving at the fictional Palazzo Lucareschi hotel in Matera (you can read our article on the neighbour-region Puglia right here), he’s sporting a light navy blue Giubbino jacket by Connolly, which is a cotton and linen blend with drawstrings at the bottom—the company’s take on a “lightweight 50’s bomber jacket.” The look is completed with a pair of grey corduroy pants from the “Winch” model by Massimo Alba.

Also in Matera, he is seen wearing a “Sloop” styled corduroy suit, again by Massimo Alba, during the chase scenes in it’s Aston Martin DB5 and at the hotel. Under the suit is a Brunello Cucinelli blue 100% cotton Oxford shirt (the blue is different on the website) made in Italy. The whole look is graced with an Alexander Olch Avery tie. On his feet are the Drake’s Crosby Moc-Toe Chukka Boots in dark brown suede.

James Bond Style during its Jamaican Retreat

With a ripped grey Orlebar Brown OB-T t-shirt and a bathing suit (as in this article on training also), it becomes apparent that his clothes are the least of his worries.

And, when he meets Felix Leiter, we see that he put a little effort in his outfit. In his Land Rover Series III, he wears light-grey denim jeans by Tom Ford and a black Tommy Bahama Catalina long-sleeved twill shirt.

Tom Ford, a Daniel Craig-Era Bond Partner for the James Bond Style

The American designer, who’s been based in London for several decades, has replaced Brioni as the official tailor for Mr. Daniel Craig’s character since “Quantum of Solace,” the actor’s second film as James Bond. Note that every single suit that is seen in the film was made in Italy.

Mr. Tom Ford, CEO and Creative Director of the brand, has commented: “I could not be happier to be dressing Daniel Craig as James Bond again in the upcoming film, ‘No Time To Die.’ James Bond epitomizes the TOM FORD man in his elegance, style and love of luxury. It is an honour to move forward with this iconic character.”

The Tuxedo

Let’s begin with elegance. The tuxedo, as you can see in the photo, a black wool Atticus 2-piece tuxedo with a quilted satin shawl lapel and cuff details. Added to it is a white cotton piquet plastron dress shirt with specially adapted “Dr. No” cuffs, a black satin self-tie bow tie, a black satin cummerbund, not to mention the white silk pocket square.

As we can see on the cover of the magazine (and the one just on top), the buttons and cuff are clearly visible. The sleeves of the jacket have black satin cuffs complemented by four buttons and an additional buttonhole. This can also be seen on his O’Connor suits that have three buttons instead of four. This custom-made suit, which is seen at the beginning of the film, offers great comfort to 007 allowing him to fight easily while maintaining his incredible elegance.

The Shoes

Let’s not forget the shoes. Released in November 2004, the Last No. 348 is a versatile shape from the main collection of Crockett & Jones dawning a square toe. The 348 model became the most avant-garde form of a generation of shoemakers, which set the brand apart. In 2012, the 348 shape cemented itself in Crockett & Jones’s legacy as a choice for “Skyfall,” followed by “Spectre” three years later and today, in “No Time To Die.” These are the same shoes that Bond wears with his suits and tuxedo, the Highbury model.

The Suits

Featured on the cover of this article and just on top, we have an O’Connor notch lapel 2-piece suit with a “Prince of Wales” checkered pattern and two front flap pockets paired with a white poplin cotton day shirt with a collar tab and specially adapted “Dr. No” cuffs. To this ensemble we add a navy-blue silk diagonal ribbed tie, also by Tom Ford, and the “James” tie slide by Benson & Clegg. The look is completed with a pair of “Joe” sunglasses by Barton Perreira.

The second suit, worn during Bond’s visit to Blofeld, offers another sharp look for Bond. It is a two-piece dark blue wool silk checkered O’Connor, custom-made for Mr. Craig, paired with a blue sea island poplin day shirt with specially adapted “Dr. No” cuffs.

The Tactical Look

Britain’s N. Peal predominates here. The navy ribbed military sweater designed for the film is already a big hit. The military feel is maintained with ribs and canvas patches on the shoulders, elbows and cuffs, while the neck conforms to maritime clothing designed to reflect Bond’s close association with the Royal Navy. The company worked closely with Suttirat Anne Larlarb, the costume designer for “No Time To Die,” to interpret her vision and create this timeless silhouette. This iconic sweater is made from a blend of 90% ultra-fine merino wool and 10% cashmere.

It pairs perfectly with the N.Peal combat pants as seen in the film. The latter is made of 100% cotton, with 3 pockets equipped with zippers and bronze-coloured press studs. You will be ready for the battle, with the OMEGA watch.

James Bond Style In the Forest

As Bond travels to Norway, it’s easy to see that James Bond’s style is changing, but he’s staying true to Massimo Alba with this Rain2 coat and Mauko cotton trousers. The jumper is a Henley by Rag & Bone.  As for the boots, it’s the Molton by Crockett & Jones, a classic but now world-famous chukka boot made of dark brown raw suede with Dainite rubber soles.

The lesson to be learned from this article, style will alwaystriumph over trends.

You can find Tom Ford at Holt Renfrew et Harry Rosen stores in Canada or in Tom Ford boutiques in the US.