Style vs Costume
johnmhemp
Posts: 3MI6 Agent
Hello- I am new to the board…and certainly to posting. I have been thinking about something lately that I don’t know the answer to so I thought that I would ask those that are in the same situation and see how they felt about it. Since NTTD I have been picking up pieces of clothing that I have liked from all of the Craig 007 films. Royale Film wear and some pieces like the RT jacket, TB shirt, A Sunspel Polo…the usual suspects. I think a person could wear those things all day long and just look nice and fashionable…..but it’s things like the N Peal Sweater with the drawstring….or the Solden Jacket that have got me thinking. Does it look like a costume? My wife said that if I like the sweater or jacket only aim to please myself. In one of his videos David Z suggests that you can wear the sweater with jeans or different slacks to avoid looking like cosplay. I am going skiing next month and I have the Danner Boots/RF Solden Jacket, and Navy Snow pants….and when I tried it on…I got nervous because I looked like I was about to sneak into a Villains lair. My wife says 98% of the population is not attune to what James Bond wore in a particular film…..I mean except for 007 I could not tell you what Jack Reacher wears or a specific outfit Tom Cruise had in a scene in the Mission Impossible series. Or should I not worry about it and just hum the James Bond theme as I coming down the slope?
Comments
there is ongoing debate on cosplay- but as I age I have come to the conclusion that in my opinion-everyone else's opinion, with maybe the exception of your wife, doesn't matter. Wear what you like. These were all items that were for sale individually. Just because they were put together by a costume designer in a movie, doesn't mean that you have to dismiss that look altogether. If you like the way it looks on you- go for it.
Just my two cents .
Don’t overthink it: if you like an outfit, wear it. If you want to mix and match, then do that. Of some stranger comes up and says you look like James Bond, smile and tell her sorry but you’re married ;)
Be confident amigo! If it worked for Bond, it will work for you! There is a reason millions look to Bond for style, he looks great in almost every single look. If you really like the Solden outfit, wear it proudly, and know that it will look effortlessly cool
If you wear the clothes in a way that is practical for your environment, it won't be costume. The NTTD sweater may be distinctive, but if it's a cold day and you need to dress casually, the sweater is stylish. Bond is just as legitimate style inspiration as anything else, and that's part of the costume designer's intent. Bond's clothes are not just for Bond, they're aspirational for everyone. That's been the case since Dr. No.
"I mean except for 007 I could not tell you what Jack Reacher wears or a specific outfit Tom Cruise had in a scene in the Mission Impossible series. Or should I not worry about it and just hum the James Bond theme as I coming down the slope?"
I think you answered your own question pretty well in those last two sentences.
I'm probably guilty of over thinking it myself sometimes, when wearing a significant piece of Bond clothing out and about. You're absolutely right, how many of us would spot a Jack Reacher, Ethan Hunt, Jason Bourne outfit, out in the wild? Only hardcore fans (and perhaps even only those interested in the sartorial aspects) are going to know. When I notice any particular piece of Bond gear being worn, personally I just give the guy kudos for wearing it and enjoying his invisible or not so invisible Bond moment.
At the end of the day, if it makes you happy and you feel comfortable, wear whatever you want to wear :-)🍸️
Go for it Red Kind. Even a lot of diehard Bond fans won't spot it unless the happen to be members of this forum. I wear Bond inspired outfits all the time and nobody ever says 'you look like Pierce Brosnan when he was driving the Astin Martin in Monte Carlo or 'you look like Daniel Craig in Haiti or Bolivia'
I recently went to a wedding, the Best Man all the groomsmen wore to my eyes the Morocco outfit ( Brunello Cucinelli blazer/trousers combo) they looked amazing I asked the the lad who chose the outfit was he inspired by Bond outfit he laughed and a smiled . wish I had taken a photo .
I do that. Plus my friends have started calling me "Mr Bond" and not in a "making fun way" I think they are my friend and what I like they support....like...ahem friends should do....why would I care what people that don't care about think of me? As most of you have said......I answered my own question.
It took a long time, but with age come the realisation that the Spotlight effect is very real indeed, and it's not worth living under its influence.
The way I see it, 95% of people out there would have zero clue about anything 007. There may be 4% out there who are fan of the franchise, but won't be able to spot an item of clothing in the wild. Then there are the crazy 1% like us. I can't speak for anyone else, but if I notice you on the ski-slope with the Solden outfit on, I will either give you a nod of admiration, or perhaps come up to you and have a nice chat about the pieces you have on, and be glad to bump into a fellow Bond fan. Either way I see no scenario where anyone would react to it in a negative manner.
Individual Bond clothing items are pretty versatile, but wear what you want. A quick online search will confirm that items like the commando sweater and Solden jacket are fashion not unique to the film franchise.
IMO one of the best things about this hobby is the functional "real world" aspect of the 007 wardrobe. As mentioned, we may feel like certain ensembles are cosplay, but the chances of anyone else recognizing any of it is slim to none. I think it's a cool IYKYK thing that might even lead to an interesting conversation. I feel more self-conscious leaving the house wearing a Bond NATO.