James Bond in TOM FORD Dark Blue Wool Silk Check O’Connor Notch Lapel Jacket,
O’Connor Tailored Trousers, Sky Blue Poplin Collared Shirt and Dark Blue Diagonal Silk Tie
photo by Nicola Dove © Danjaq, LLC and MGM
THE EMOTIONALITY OF THE LOOK, BRAND DESIGN,
OF MOTION PICTURES AND TAILORED OUTFITTING.
Who’s the man?
THE MAN, MACHISMO AND THE MYTH. There’s always been a supreme masculinity in the legacy of the mythic, Ian Fleming archetypal character and the theatrical playing power of James Bond – perhaps never better evidenced that in the persona of Daniel Craig, who’s now formally announced his extinguishment in the role. Earlier, Tom Ford announced his suiting of both OO’s—the former 007 and the new one.
The newly “numbered” 007. Lashana Lynch, as Nomi in Tom Ford Lily White Viscose Linen Belted Field Jacket
with patch pockets and epaulettes
photo by Nicola Dove © Danjaq, LLC and MGM
And who else to dress them both than the sheer magnificence of designer, director and fashion strategist than Tom Ford. Tom is a kind of Bond in his own right. Calm, fit, entirely in control. Having met, and spoken with him, years back, as well his team in NYC – the character of his presence and persona is elegance and grace itself. Warm, assured, friendly — even modest, given the spectacular legacy of his holistic fashion design efforts
and integrated brand experience, a man of astonishing detail.
Tom Ford, Mayfair, London
And the price of his offerings—just like Bond, supreme luxury—from his perfumes to his eyeglasses speak volumes to his inherent sense of minuscule detailing—and the time it takes to produce them. In talking to the Tom Ford team, about the design character of the brand, and how it happens, from the store to the bottle,
from the detailing of his suits—and
Tom Ford’s persistent sense of involvement and direction—
depth, perception, clarity in creative direction matter—they manifest detailed agendas of design thinking and strategy, manifested in the layering of the brand experience, from shop, online and the character of the products themselves.
Robert Wright for The New York Times
So. in a manner, it’s entirely appropriate that this man —
who’s already set his personal brand stage for
powerful elegance, would be designing James Bond—now for the last time with Daniel Craig.
Picture credit: Dvorak for Vogue magazine
According to Sarah Karmali, in an article and interview for UK | Vogue offers Tom’s perspectives
at the launch of his relationship with producer Barbara Broccoli—a perfect alignment to the agent,
and the agent provocateur of expansively luxurious design.
“I was very excited when I was first approached by [film producer] Barbara Broccoli about dressing Daniel Craig as James Bond,” said Ford. “I worked with Jany Temime [Skyfall’s costume designer] on creating the perfect classic wardrobe. I have been dressing Daniel for some time and know that he looks best when simply dressed, so we did some beautiful suits, tuxedos and daywear. We didn’t really modify our suits, as James Bond is a bit like our guy – classic and extremely elegant.”
Image from 007.com
And similarly, he notes:
“I could not be happier to be dressing Daniel Craig as James Bond again in the upcoming film, No Time To Die. James Bond epitomizes the TOM FORD man in his elegance, style and love of luxury. It is an honor to move forward with this iconic character.”
To an earlier reference, Tom proffers:
“We didn’t really modify our suits, as James Bond is a bit like our guy–classic and extremely elegant.“
As I’d noted, Tom Ford is that guy,
classic and extremely elegant.
In my experience, I can’t recall a fashion designer that more completely
art directs the layers of his offerings with quite
the passion that Tom Ford’s leadership has built.
Studying his brand carefully, and buying his products—
they are as special,
hardworking and
gifted as the man.
T | Girvin | Osean Studios
G I R V I N | FASHION BRAND STRATEGY
CLOTHING, RETAIL + STORY: THE CARTOGRAPHY OF LOOK
How can a suit cost $5,000.00?
Tom’s commented.
The Bespoke, we live that dream: details, time & craft