Alternative solution as it pertains to wardrobe. I'm not a SA clothing collector, so a high quality replica or otherwise "really close" works for me because it just gets put into the regular clothing rotation.
Now, firearms and watches? Only the real deal will do.
I'll buy what I can afford, but it has to be (a) something I really like, and (b) something I will wear. I wear the 'lodge outfit' - Barbour, All Saints Iggy cords (hand dyed the right shade) but teamed with a Moss teal jumper, Superdry Henley and generic brown brogue boots similar to the C&J. It's so cold and wet in Essex/London that I get a lot of wear out if it. But some things I can't afford, so I have replicas where I like the original, eg Hart008's excellent Enjoying Death shirt which I wear with the Topman chinos; the Royale Mr White/Altausee jacket, plus things like the Massimo Dutti version of the Solden.
I also have just about every original Brosnan tie from T&A, but then I wear a suit at work every day and wore those ties to death while they were fashionable.
James Brosnan - agree with you there {[] - as Jany Tamime said, all Bond's outfits have an element of costume to them so it's cosplay all the way for me too )
{[] I totally agree man. And, I like to mix and match as well with whatever I can afford and whatever my wife will let me purchase )
Since the question was raised and I received a nice gift in the post today from fellow AJBer here is my latest Skyfall 'look' and break down as a classic example for me:
Sun Glasses (unseen) - TF Markos
Shirt - Own
Tie - COS
Jumper - John Smedley Bobby
Trousers - Own
Underpants - Commando
Boots -Own
Coat - Billy Reed
Gloves - Dents
Watch - Omega PO 8500 my preference for this look (but have the AT)
I started 'in the style of' 5 years ago with cheaper alternatives because I liked the look and has some items already like Peacoat, Trousers etc. Slowly over the years have picked off items as and when, latest being the Billy Reed (you thought my Danner purchase experience in US wasn't straight forward the BR was a whole different experience in NY as well but less fruitful due to size availabilty, however situation rectified by Skyfallofpies here in the U.K. thank you!)
Enjoy!
Cheers :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
Fantastic look Bond44! :007) That is pretty much what I have done as well. Use what you have on hand, grab frugal alternatives, and mix and match with the real deal as one slowly acquires the pieces over the years.
Since the question was raised and I received a nice gift in the post today from fellow AJBer here is my latest Skyfall 'look' and break down as a classic example for me:
Sun Glasses (unseen) - TF Markos
Shirt - Own
Tie - COS
Jumper - John Smedley Bobby
Trousers - Own
Underpants - Commando
Boots -Own
Coat - Billy Reed
Gloves - Dents
Watch - Omega PO 8500 my preference for this look (but have the AT)
Looks great! But I think the resale value of your trousers just dropped exponentially! :v
I tend also to take inspiration from the look and style rather than copy whole outfits so it's not cosplay for me; Bond and DC aren't the only places I take style inspiration from.
Agree with many others, for some pieces, only the exact brand/colour will satisfy the itch; an example for me was the BR peacoat as I kept looking and looking, eventually found a close(ish) match but was never happy with it. I'd been put off by the cost of not just the purchase but the shipping to England. I was lucky enough to go to NY and picked up an original there which I love. For others pieces, close enough works.
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Hence I take inspiration from, but don't mimic, the styles.
My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Since the question was raised and I received a nice gift in the post today from fellow AJBer here is my latest Skyfall 'look' and break down as a classic example for me:
Sun Glasses (unseen) - TF Markos
Shirt - Own
Tie - COS
Jumper - John Smedley Bobby
Trousers - Own
Underpants - Commando
Boots -Own
Coat - Billy Reed
Gloves - Dents
Watch - Omega PO 8500 my preference for this look (but have the AT)
Looks great! But I think the resale value of your trousers just dropped exponentially! :v
Really they are completely SA, they even come with genuine skid marks and all! (so would you after banging from a lift)
(OK too far put the keyboard down!)
Cheers All :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
My big departures from screen accurate I justify from a functional standpoint. Examples include my BMW Z3 which meets US safety specs, and has the inline six cylinder engine. I would just rather have the six cylinder here over the four cylinder. I did the same thing with my BMW 750iL. I could have got a 740iL like they used for filming, but what was represented on screen was the 750iL, so that is the one I got. Something that has been debated here a lot lately are the S&W PPK's, and at least from my research, they were less prone to malfunctions when using modern ammunition, so that is the model I went with despite only being seen once in Spectre. I got the 14060 (non-COSC) Submariner because the luminova lume will stay white like the 5513 (non-COSC) Submariner that Lazenby and Moore wore on screen, while the tritium 5513 Sub that they wore would have naturally aged making it look less like what was seen on screen.
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Craig would be the one hiding from you.
Though I only have one complete Bond outfit, I cant see myself wearing the entire outfit anytime soon, like most here I prefer just to mix and match pieces so it feels less like a costume and more like my own personal style. Because to me Bond/Craig should influence your style but you still gotta be your own man.
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Craig would be the one hiding from you.
Though I only have one complete Bond outfit, I cant see myself wearing the entire outfit anytime soon, like most here I prefer just to mix and match pieces so it feels less like a costume and more like my own personal style. Because to me Bond/Craig should influence your style but you still gotta be your own man.
My point exactly!
My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Craig would be the one hiding from you.
Bit harsh....your meaning?
My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
My big departures from screen accurate I justify from a functional standpoint. Examples include my BMW Z3 which meets US safety specs, and has the inline six cylinder engine. I would just rather have the six cylinder here over the four cylinder. I did the same thing with my BMW 750iL. I could have got a 740iL like they used for filming, but what was represented on screen was the 750iL, so that is the one I got. Something that has been debated here a lot lately are the S&W PPK's, and at least from my research, they were less prone to malfunctions when using modern ammunition, so that is the model I went with despite only being seen once in Spectre. I got the 14060 (non-COSC) Submariner because the luminova lume will stay white like the 5513 (non-COSC) Submariner that Lazenby and Moore wore on screen, while the tritium 5513 Sub that they wore would have naturally aged making it look less like what was seen on screen.
I'm surprised you got the 14060 instead of the SA 5513. Big difference between the two. One big difference IMO is the plexi vs safire glass, which changes the look a lot. However, the 14050 is more practical and robust.
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Craig would be the one hiding from you.
Though I only have one complete Bond outfit, I cant see myself wearing the entire outfit anytime soon, like most here I prefer just to mix and match pieces so it feels less like a costume and more like my own personal style. Because to me Bond/Craig should influence your style but you still gotta be your own man.
Mixing the pieces so that it feel less like a costume is a good point.
Though I only have one complete Bond outfit, I cant see myself wearing the entire outfit anytime soon, like most here I prefer just to mix and match pieces so it feels less like a costume and more like my own personal style. Because to me Bond/Craig should influence your style but you still gotta be your own man.
Mixing the pieces so that it feel less like a costume is a good point.
Which is what I meant - apologies if my meaning wasn't clear....
My name has changed! I’m no longer dufus......now I’m DB6
I can understand all takes on this subject. I get those who want to only get inspiration from iconic styles like James Bond's. I also get why people like to copy certain outfits head to toe and not others. But, I think the cosplay element can often be misinterpreted as lacking in uniqueness and personal identity. However the exact opposite is true for me.
It is only during cosplay that I feel most myself. I've liked cosplay since I was a kid, dressing like video game characters and whatnot. I had always loved Broz's watch as a kid, and loved the QoS Harrington when I saw the movie so many years ago (thinking how I wanted one, but never really looked into it). About 4 years ago I stumbled across DZ's "Frugal Bond" video, and it's been downhill from there. )
I didn't have a very good relationship with my father. I could never make him proud. He was an uneducated janitor and we grew up very poor. I overcame and became a NASA engineer, but he was only jealous. He didn't show me much attention growing up either, nor did he give me much of his time. The only thing I ever remember doing together is watching TV and movies. We watched Bond more than anything else. He loved Bond. I think I interpreted his love for Bond as his way of teaching me what kind of man I should be, since he didn't bother to teach me himself. When I dress like Bond, I feel like I did on those days in the movie theater watching the latest Bond movie or on the couch watching the usual Bond marathon; I feel close to my father in a way I never could with him in real life, and I feel like I'm making him proud.
Couple my daddy issues ) with my natural inclination towards cosplay, it only makes sense to me to dress like Bond every day of my life. I don't feel like me unless I do because I can't erase the past and how it has shaped who I am. Maybe it's the engineer in me, but I also really like artistically expressing my style within a very strict set of rules. That usually results in cosplay.
But, as I learn through this process, I develop my own sense of what I like and don't like in Bond's clothing choices. So, while 9 times out of 10 I will do an outfit head to toe, I'm perfectly comfortable with updating or altering a look to match my own personally developing tastes and sense of style. But, it is always within the confines of a Bond outfit because that is the only way I feel comfortable, unique, individual, and most like my true self. One example is that I wear espadrilles with my CR black shirt and taupe pants outfit (and I make mine full linen). I like Bond's quirkier moments, so I try and expand them to other outfits when possible.
My point is. I don't see cosplay as a lack of individuality. Rather, I see it as just as true a form of individual self expression as any other style choice. I mean, ya only live once right? Or was that twice? I forget.
I do like to have fun with outfits that we don't know everything about. Like I wear boat shoes with my CR grey crew neck:navy chinos because I like boat shoes. Today I'm wearing my version of the DAD white linen shirt outfit. As we don't know what he wore with that shirt, it's open to interpretation. Of course, me leaning towards wanting to feel like Bond in both style and quality, I went with an Orlebar brown linen shirt, OB navy linen/cotton pants and brown suede clarks:
With that said, Everyone is untitled to their own opinion, and this post is not directed at any particular individual/s. I've just noticed that the cosplay aspect of this crazy hobby of ours might be a little misunderstood. I completely understand if cosplay feels unnatural, and wouldn't recommend anyone make any style choices that feel unnatural to them. I just felt the need to express my perspective on how cosplay can be just as much a choice of individual expression as inspired by and the like. At the end of the day, this is a very personal hobby, and we will all have different motivations for the outfits we choose to and not to wear.
Thank you JB for sharing your views on how you wear your bond related clothes.
On this forum, we are all chasing and buying clothes and I find it interesting to see what drives people's collection and more importantly what people do with it.
By the way, I'm sure your father is impressed that your are a NASA engineer...I am -{
James Brosnan - outstanding post dear boy and having read it I see many of your childhood experiences mirror my own especially where Bond is concerned, so not unsurprisingly find myself sharing similar opinions, though I am not a NASA engineer (but very impressed by the way!). On a global site like this it can be fascinating what people do or have done for a living or in their lives we certainly seem to be a motivated bunch. We come from all walks of life, from around the globe, yet share a common interest - Bond.
It's about perspectives, if dressing in the style of or same as Bond makes someone feel good then about themselves why not it does no harm at all. If others choose to collect then equally that's fine as well, we all have our own motivations. I may sometimes dress like him and would of course love his lifestyle but I am real and have lived a full life with its own interesting moments, he is but a character in a movie so you have to keep it real. If anyone thinks they actually are or can be him hmm then Houston we have a problem!
On the issue of a high ticket item personally I would wear it and be damned otherwise I personally would not enjoy having it. That's how I enjoy them sure they will wear out but I will have had fun and have made my own memories with them. But I can understand why others would have concerns.
Life is too short so we should enjoy it, dress, collect or jazz it up however we like and be happy. You seldom get the chance to live twice!
Cheers :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
Wow, James Brosnan....amazing post. And thank you for sharing because I always find it interesting just how much we all have in common. I have spoken many times about my father's impact moments with Bond and me growing up, and I am absolutely convinced that besides some healthy escapism the Bond lifestyle is one that is rooted firmly on the psychiatry couch----but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am also very fortunate that I am in an industry (advertising agency) that embraces and even applauds creativity. My dress code and even my VERY public hobby is seen and appreciated by clients, employees, and my industry in general. Although I get a kick out of mixing and matching, their is a heightened thrill when I get close or BANG ON to a Bond outfit being worn out in the wild...it definitely effects you differently. Sort of a secret that creates a fun and intriguing shield around one's persona and body. As far as being trepidatious about wearing the NON frugal stuff, I find that the first one or two times wearing something I am precious with it....after that, it's balls to the walls! I get so much enjoyment in wearing the items that the risk of rough and tumble effects are nil.
Some very interesting comments and thoughts being expressed here.
Our Fathers are always an influence on how we turn out, as our our Mothers and siblings. My Father had a lot of his clothes MTM from various tailors in and around Newcastle - Saville Row (Yes, Newcastle has its own Saville Row, it's still there but not many, if any, tailors left) had many a fine tailor (sometimes in small rooms) with lots of different cloths and styles to choose from. Also back in the day every big Main Street gents outfitters shop had a MTM dept. Burtons; Jacksons and even the Co-op had a huge tailoring dept. So because I often accompanied him, from a very early age, I suppose that's where I get my love of fine garments!
He had numerous jackets and suits made sometimes with his own ideas and input other times he would mention what he had seen, (I'm sure he was influenced by the early Bond films) and asked for something simlar. He was in the entertainment business (in the evenings when he'd finished his day job);singer, comedian and compere - so needed to be well turned out.
I can remember being measured and fitted for my first "real suit" in a small upstairs 'shop' in Saville Row which had walls full of different bolts of cloth. Somewhat boringly I went for a blue light weight wool 3 piece (probably on my Mums instructions) :007).
Now I still enjoy wearing good stuff and since finding this site have benefitted from the expertise and knowledge of members to expand my wardrobe and my knowledge, thanks again guys!
In terms of wearing the expensive items I agree with The Mantis - my philosophy is to wear them and enjoy them. Sometimes it's as close to the SA outfit as possible, other times it's mix and match. As I type this I'm wearing a black sunspel polo under my frugal M&S Solden, with black Boss chinos and very dark blue Church custom grade desert boots. Every time you wear your expensive item it it becomes a little less expensive. A brilliant watch kept in a drawer and never worn is an expensive item, a watch worn every day and used becomes less expensive each wearing (if that makes sense). I can understand how collectors view a pristine example but I would rather wear and enjoy my items, each to his own.
What a great thread! Thank you all for sharing your stories!
I come at the whole Bond style thing from a lot of different angles. Like many of you, it was my dad that introduced me to the books and films. So I enjoy that connection. I also like DC's Bond and personal style, and take inspiration from those. There are only 2 or 3 complete "looks" I wear on a regular basis (Mathis villa, Harrington jacket look and Shanghai). Most of the time I just find myself wanting specific individual pieces, not so much to complete an outfit from the films but because I think it would work well with my personal style.
I already wrote a pretty long article on the site about my thoughts on dressing like Bond so I won't repeat that here. But one side effect of my interest in Bond's style has been a growing appreciation of the brands he wears and their history. I find the stories and heritage behind some of them really fascinating. This has lead to an appreciation of vintage clothing in general and the materials and workmanship that went into many of those pieces. So I'm starting to collect those things (not all Bond related). For example, I recently picked up a vintage Burberry trench coat from the 70s that looks brand new. Truly a timeless style. And today I'm wearing a pair of Florsheim Imperial long wings from 1970 that are built like tanks. You would never guess they're 46 year old shoes. The depth of color of the leather is absolutely beautiful.
Bond has definitely been a strong influence in my life, no doubt. But it's also been almost a gateway drug to the world of men's style in general. I'm really enjoying exploring and learning more about that world.
Thanks for the kind words guys. I love hearing these stories about what makes everyone connected to Bond and it's great to hear that others have the Bond-father connection. I would wear anything, including screen used. It's all about wearing it for me. But, I understand those who just like collecting and displaying.
John, I totally agree about how interesting some of the Bond and non-Bond brands are and how much this hobby has made me become aware of that. Like the stone MQueen Baracutta I grabbed a few months back; amazing jacket and full of heritage. On another note, don't forget that Bond wore A Burberry rain coat in the novel The Man With The Golden Gun. I think all that Bond blogging is seeping into your blood and fusing with your DNA man )
Comments
Now, firearms and watches? Only the real deal will do.
{[] I totally agree man. And, I like to mix and match as well with whatever I can afford and whatever my wife will let me purchase
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
Sun Glasses (unseen) - TF Markos
Shirt - Own
Tie - COS
Jumper - John Smedley Bobby
Trousers - Own
Underpants - Commando
Boots -Own
Coat - Billy Reed
Gloves - Dents
Watch - Omega PO 8500 my preference for this look (but have the AT)
I started 'in the style of' 5 years ago with cheaper alternatives because I liked the look and has some items already like Peacoat, Trousers etc. Slowly over the years have picked off items as and when, latest being the Billy Reed (you thought my Danner purchase experience in US wasn't straight forward the BR was a whole different experience in NY as well but less fruitful due to size availabilty, however situation rectified by Skyfallofpies here in the U.K. thank you!)
Enjoy!
Cheers :007)
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
Looks great! But I think the resale value of your trousers just dropped exponentially! :v
One of my favorite!
Thanks for sharing
Agree with many others, for some pieces, only the exact brand/colour will satisfy the itch; an example for me was the BR peacoat as I kept looking and looking, eventually found a close(ish) match but was never happy with it. I'd been put off by the cost of not just the purchase but the shipping to England. I was lucky enough to go to NY and picked up an original there which I love. For others pieces, close enough works.
I fly regularly and my acid test is this: if I saw DC at an airport would I have to hide because I look like I'm dressed either as him or as Bond........
Hence I take inspiration from, but don't mimic, the styles.
Craig would be the one hiding from you.
(OK too far put the keyboard down!)
Cheers All :007)
My point exactly!
Bit harsh....your meaning?
I'm surprised you got the 14060 instead of the SA 5513. Big difference between the two. One big difference IMO is the plexi vs safire glass, which changes the look a lot. However, the 14050 is more practical and robust.
Mixing the pieces so that it feel less like a costume is a good point.
Which is what I meant - apologies if my meaning wasn't clear....
For example, would you wear Jack Purcell OTR sneakers ?
I would too afraid to damage them...
It is only during cosplay that I feel most myself. I've liked cosplay since I was a kid, dressing like video game characters and whatnot. I had always loved Broz's watch as a kid, and loved the QoS Harrington when I saw the movie so many years ago (thinking how I wanted one, but never really looked into it). About 4 years ago I stumbled across DZ's "Frugal Bond" video, and it's been downhill from there.
I didn't have a very good relationship with my father. I could never make him proud. He was an uneducated janitor and we grew up very poor. I overcame and became a NASA engineer, but he was only jealous. He didn't show me much attention growing up either, nor did he give me much of his time. The only thing I ever remember doing together is watching TV and movies. We watched Bond more than anything else. He loved Bond. I think I interpreted his love for Bond as his way of teaching me what kind of man I should be, since he didn't bother to teach me himself. When I dress like Bond, I feel like I did on those days in the movie theater watching the latest Bond movie or on the couch watching the usual Bond marathon; I feel close to my father in a way I never could with him in real life, and I feel like I'm making him proud.
Couple my daddy issues
But, as I learn through this process, I develop my own sense of what I like and don't like in Bond's clothing choices. So, while 9 times out of 10 I will do an outfit head to toe, I'm perfectly comfortable with updating or altering a look to match my own personally developing tastes and sense of style. But, it is always within the confines of a Bond outfit because that is the only way I feel comfortable, unique, individual, and most like my true self. One example is that I wear espadrilles with my CR black shirt and taupe pants outfit (and I make mine full linen). I like Bond's quirkier moments, so I try and expand them to other outfits when possible.
My point is. I don't see cosplay as a lack of individuality. Rather, I see it as just as true a form of individual self expression as any other style choice. I mean, ya only live once right? Or was that twice? I forget.
I do like to have fun with outfits that we don't know everything about. Like I wear boat shoes with my CR grey crew neck:navy chinos because I like boat shoes. Today I'm wearing my version of the DAD white linen shirt outfit. As we don't know what he wore with that shirt, it's open to interpretation. Of course, me leaning towards wanting to feel like Bond in both style and quality, I went with an Orlebar brown linen shirt, OB navy linen/cotton pants and brown suede clarks:
With that said, Everyone is untitled to their own opinion, and this post is not directed at any particular individual/s. I've just noticed that the cosplay aspect of this crazy hobby of ours might be a little misunderstood. I completely understand if cosplay feels unnatural, and wouldn't recommend anyone make any style choices that feel unnatural to them. I just felt the need to express my perspective on how cosplay can be just as much a choice of individual expression as inspired by and the like. At the end of the day, this is a very personal hobby, and we will all have different motivations for the outfits we choose to and not to wear.
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/
On this forum, we are all chasing and buying clothes and I find it interesting to see what drives people's collection and more importantly what people do with it.
By the way, I'm sure your father is impressed that your are a NASA engineer...I am -{
It's about perspectives, if dressing in the style of or same as Bond makes someone feel good then about themselves why not it does no harm at all. If others choose to collect then equally that's fine as well, we all have our own motivations. I may sometimes dress like him and would of course love his lifestyle but I am real and have lived a full life with its own interesting moments, he is but a character in a movie so you have to keep it real. If anyone thinks they actually are or can be him hmm then Houston we have a problem!
On the issue of a high ticket item personally I would wear it and be damned otherwise I personally would not enjoy having it. That's how I enjoy them sure they will wear out but I will have had fun and have made my own memories with them. But I can understand why others would have concerns.
Life is too short so we should enjoy it, dress, collect or jazz it up however we like and be happy. You seldom get the chance to live twice!
Cheers :007)
Our Fathers are always an influence on how we turn out, as our our Mothers and siblings. My Father had a lot of his clothes MTM from various tailors in and around Newcastle - Saville Row (Yes, Newcastle has its own Saville Row, it's still there but not many, if any, tailors left) had many a fine tailor (sometimes in small rooms) with lots of different cloths and styles to choose from. Also back in the day every big Main Street gents outfitters shop had a MTM dept. Burtons; Jacksons and even the Co-op had a huge tailoring dept. So because I often accompanied him, from a very early age, I suppose that's where I get my love of fine garments!
He had numerous jackets and suits made sometimes with his own ideas and input other times he would mention what he had seen, (I'm sure he was influenced by the early Bond films) and asked for something simlar. He was in the entertainment business (in the evenings when he'd finished his day job);singer, comedian and compere - so needed to be well turned out.
I can remember being measured and fitted for my first "real suit" in a small upstairs 'shop' in Saville Row which had walls full of different bolts of cloth. Somewhat boringly I went for a blue light weight wool 3 piece (probably on my Mums instructions) :007).
Now I still enjoy wearing good stuff and since finding this site have benefitted from the expertise and knowledge of members to expand my wardrobe and my knowledge, thanks again guys!
In terms of wearing the expensive items I agree with The Mantis - my philosophy is to wear them and enjoy them. Sometimes it's as close to the SA outfit as possible, other times it's mix and match. As I type this I'm wearing a black sunspel polo under my frugal M&S Solden, with black Boss chinos and very dark blue Church custom grade desert boots. Every time you wear your expensive item it it becomes a little less expensive. A brilliant watch kept in a drawer and never worn is an expensive item, a watch worn every day and used becomes less expensive each wearing (if that makes sense). I can understand how collectors view a pristine example but I would rather wear and enjoy my items, each to his own.
I come at the whole Bond style thing from a lot of different angles. Like many of you, it was my dad that introduced me to the books and films. So I enjoy that connection. I also like DC's Bond and personal style, and take inspiration from those. There are only 2 or 3 complete "looks" I wear on a regular basis (Mathis villa, Harrington jacket look and Shanghai). Most of the time I just find myself wanting specific individual pieces, not so much to complete an outfit from the films but because I think it would work well with my personal style.
I already wrote a pretty long article on the site about my thoughts on dressing like Bond so I won't repeat that here. But one side effect of my interest in Bond's style has been a growing appreciation of the brands he wears and their history. I find the stories and heritage behind some of them really fascinating. This has lead to an appreciation of vintage clothing in general and the materials and workmanship that went into many of those pieces. So I'm starting to collect those things (not all Bond related). For example, I recently picked up a vintage Burberry trench coat from the 70s that looks brand new. Truly a timeless style. And today I'm wearing a pair of Florsheim Imperial long wings from 1970 that are built like tanks. You would never guess they're 46 year old shoes. The depth of color of the leather is absolutely beautiful.
Bond has definitely been a strong influence in my life, no doubt. But it's also been almost a gateway drug to the world of men's style in general. I'm really enjoying exploring and learning more about that world.
Cheers!
John, I totally agree about how interesting some of the Bond and non-Bond brands are and how much this hobby has made me become aware of that. Like the stone MQueen Baracutta I grabbed a few months back; amazing jacket and full of heritage. On another note, don't forget that Bond wore A Burberry rain coat in the novel The Man With The Golden Gun. I think all that Bond blogging is seeping into your blood and fusing with your DNA man
CR/QoS, TLD, DN, GE, TSWLM, LTK, TND, TWiNE, TMWTGG, TB
http://www.iconicalternatives.com/author/james-brosnan/
https://www.instagram.com/shawn.michael.bongiorno/