The trilby worn by Sean Connery in ‘Dr No’ is by London hatters Locke & Co. Despite looking blue in the film, the firm insists that it was actually brown, debunking the sartorial maxim ‘never wear brown in town’.
Ahead of the release of the latest film in the 007 franchise, 'Spectre', we find out where James Bond buys his clothes in London.
A camera pans up the sleeve of an evening suit with a distinctive silk, turned-back cuff. We see the suit’s shawl lapels before the camera settles on the face of Sean Connery. Only then do we hear, for the very first time, ‘The name’s Bond…’
Ever since 1965’s ‘Dr No’, few have been able to resist the escapist glamour of 007. He’s gone through almost as many incarnations as Doctor Who, but while the Doctor’s style has adapted to whoever inhabits his skin at the time, Bond has remained faithful
(if not to women) to his sharp suits and dinner jackets.
Nevertheless, subsequent looks have reflected the character of each new Bond and his era, while setting the standard for British male style. ‘Bond’s look for “Spectre” is cool, seductive, sexy and very simple,’ says Jany Temime, the film’s costume designer. ‘The colours are monochromatic: grey, white, black – a little bit film noir, and very elegant.’
Although the dinner suit is as important as ever, Daniel Craig also wears all-action, casual looks which, naturally, he accessorises with a gun holster. ‘He dresses for the occasion and he dresses for action,’ says Temime. ‘The clothes are simple in order to show off the action of his body when it is in motion.’
Whereas Sean Connery wore clothes that were almost exclusively British, Craig has a cosmopolitan designer wardrobe. ‘He is modern, and fashion is now international,’ says Temime. But fret not, his style remains quintessentially English. ‘There’s a sense of sobriety, a certain nonchalance. He never wears clothes that are too new, but he is always impeccable.’
Here are some of the British brands behind Bond’s debonair style, past and present. For more sartorial inspiration, check out our list of the best menswear shops in London.
