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Shaken, Stirred and Styled

last updated: 28 October 2008
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Let's face it: James Bond is a legend. Sleek style, immaculate manners, and undeniable charm. He gets more ladies than Hugh Hefner, drives more cars than Lewis Hamilton, and gets to play with more toys than the editor of Stuff magazine. Who wouldn’t want to be him?
Back in 1965 when British journalist Ian Fleming created James Bond, he was looking for a character that would be a neutral figure - 'an anonymous, blunt instrument wielded by a government.' However, with his legacy as the most debonair jet-setter to this day, James Bond is undoubtedly a superstar, who most men would die to emulate. The cut of his jacket, the peak of his lapels, the turn of his cuffs...was there ever a better-dressed screen icon? And more to the point, would it be possible for the rest of us mere mortals to achieve his urbanity without stylists and designers queuing up to dress us?

Despite more than 40 years of James Bond, his signature suited and booted look has barely changed. From the tailoring of Anthony Sinclair who first outfitted Bond in 1965 to Tom Ford, his current tailor, little has changed to veer from the iconic image we all have of Bond’s style. To achieve his suaveness, look no further than the impeccable tailoring of Savile Row, and if you can afford it, the best way to guarantee that sleek sophistication is to go bespoke. If not, pop down Jermyn Street and choose a single-breasted off-the-peg, in charcoal or navy, paired with a French-cuff, sea-island cotton shirt from Turnbull and Asser.
 
On his feet, apparently Bond 'abhorred laces', and instead donned moccasin style shoes made bespoke by Jermyn street shoe-maker John Lobb. If Lobbs are going to break the bank, try Churches, and to add that finesse, pop a white silk handkerchief in your breast pocket.
 
To really dress to kill (and indeed thrill), dust off the tux, or, if you don’t own one, invest in this staple and you will never have to turn down a fancy invite again. Since 1995 Brioni has clothed Bond with his dinner suit and, fortunately for the rest of us, still do a limited edition tuxedo, complete with 007 lining and a built in Holster.  Don’t forget to complete the outfit with a heavy silk dress shirt, Cartier cufflinks and a bow tie from Favourbrook.

So you’re dressed to kill, but are you fully kitted out? James Bond is famous for his gadgets and the look would not be complete without an Alfred Dunhill lighter, the sensational Aston Martin DB5, a Rolex submariner, and if it were ever allowed, Bond’s signature weapon - the Walther PPK.

The clothes and the gadgets might be signature, but Bonds ultimate accessory is perhaps his control. Style aside, Bond oozes self-possession and chic sophistication. Postures and gesture should exude power and superiority with confidence, not arrogance. Bond’s manners, etiquette, poise and finesse, are what commands attention, making his enemies quake in their boots and the ladies shiver with excitement.

Achieving Bond’s chic style, his sophisticated charm and his refined manners may not help you save the world from Dr No, but if your top-secret mission is simply to be a jet-setting womanizer or the quintessential gent, you will certainly be on the right track.

Here Is The Writer : lisab1

lisab1 Following an international modelling career, and after meeting some of the world's most successful men, Lisa Bathurst learnt the secrets to success. Understanding what differentiates the ordinary from the extraordinary, Lisa helps men create an image congruent with the lifestyle they strive for through her lifestyle consulting service, Urbanity. Lisa has lived in more than 10 countries, and is an expert at overcoming language, cultural and class differences, with an impressive ability to cope in varying social situations whilst always oozing and maintaining confidence and sophistication.  Not only does she have extensive knowledge in the fashion industry, she also brings the added benefit of a network of experts, having worked with some of the worlds best stylists, hair and make up artists. Lisa studied Psychology and has undertaken various counselling courses, and brings a professionally empathetic approach to provide a supportive, understanding life coach role, putting to good use her specialist training.

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