My blog about James Bond's suits
Matt S
Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,610MI6 Agent
I've been working on a blog about the clothes of the James Bond movies. It's something that people show interest in and something that I've researched quite extensively. Here's the link:
The Suits of James Bond
I know a lot of other people here have done research too, so if you think any of my information is incorrect please help me out.
Also, I've been trying to figure out the five suits worn by Craig in QoS.
1. Car chase: Navy blue with blue pinstripe
2. London: Is it black or midnight blue? And is the tie's base colour black or midnight? I'm inclined to go with midnight.
3. Bolivia: Brown
4. Greene Party: Midnight Blue
5. Kazan: Is it the brown like the Bolivia suit? And is the tie's base colour brown? If not, might the tie be black and the suit be charcoal?
The Suits of James Bond
I know a lot of other people here have done research too, so if you think any of my information is incorrect please help me out.
Also, I've been trying to figure out the five suits worn by Craig in QoS.
1. Car chase: Navy blue with blue pinstripe
2. London: Is it black or midnight blue? And is the tie's base colour black or midnight? I'm inclined to go with midnight.
3. Bolivia: Brown
4. Greene Party: Midnight Blue
5. Kazan: Is it the brown like the Bolivia suit? And is the tie's base colour brown? If not, might the tie be black and the suit be charcoal?
Visit my blog, Bond Suits
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www.007jamesbond.dk
http://thedangermen.com/
DG
Edit: I was always under the impression that Lazenby's wedding wear was a morning suit updated for 1969. I had no idea that it was day wear and had an actual name such as "black lounge", "stroller" or "Stresemann". Great information, you learn something new everyday.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
The Jacket:
Fully canvesed, 3-2 button roll lapel. Slightly more narrower lapel than most.
Shoulders are roped to provide a more "built up" albeit not bulked up shoulder.
Sides taken in considerably to create hourglass/slim fitting effect.
Surgeons cuffs, with 5 buttons instead of 4.
Ticket pocket included.
Higer cut armholes than you're traditonal suit. Allows for a more tailored/cleaner sleeker look.
Pick stiching on the lapels.
Top it off with a pocket square a la "bankers square" style
Cant speak in regards to the lining or buttons specifically.
Trousers:
I belive its referred to a "French Fly" but I am likely wrong. Either zipper or button up fly. ( I opted for button up on some of my suits)
NO belt loops as Fords suits use side tab adjusters. A very nice and not widely seen touch
Flat fronted and actually cuffed or "turnup" cuffs. ( Its rumored Craigs trousers were fitted with small weights sewn in so they would drape perfectly)
Color: Well the Tom Ford suits seem to be constructed of a Ford Exclusive Wool/Mohair blend which combined with ideal filming lighting create a "sheen" effect without looking like polyester. I beliver the Boliva suit is a brown hue, the Greene party is midnight blue?? OR is that the Opera? (I don't recall at the top of my head.)
Overall
Tom Ford suits certainly have the name going for them, but at the end of the day they are still made by Zegna. Not that Zegna is bad by any means, but you could achieve the Tom Ford look by purchasing a Zegna and working hand in hand with a sharp tailor to achieve the look of Fords silouette, which is quite stunning and very sharp looking.
I hope some of the details above help to complete your blog and if I missed anything I'm sure there are other very knowledgeable indivduals on the forum that can fill in some blanks.
I don't think it would be possible (or feasible) to tailor a Zegna suit into a Tom Ford style. Even though they are made in the same factory the cuts are much different. Tom Ford tells Zegna exactly what he wants, and what they make for their own brand has nothing to do with Tom Ford. It's the same with Corneliani and the Polo suits made in the Corneliani factory. The two brands offer nothing remotely similar. Corneliani offers a modern Italian silhouette whilst Polo offers a traditional English-American style with a natural shoulder that can't be found from any other brand. The Tom Ford look is very unique and there are very few tailors who would be able to make something with a similar cut, and those that could probably wouldn't want to.
I must say that you know your suits quite well and that I learn something truly new everyday. Kudos and Props to you sir...I must say that while I haven't purchased any Tom Ford suits, I have commissioned suits with Tom Fords silhouette and details as the primary inspiration/design and cut. And after several fittings and alterations I have acheived suits that certainly captures Ford's very lean and muscular design. It helps greatly that my tailor is very in tune with not only classic styling but current trends and design as well. So I would certainly say that his look is possible, it just takes some work, as you mention as well.