Shaken, not stirred: Sunspel’s link with James Bond

There are few more effortlessly understated British institutions than James Bond, with a franchise that begun life in the imagination of writer Ian Fleming having spawned more than a few literary and cinematic classics – not to mention a wealth of unforgettable pop culture references. Another major name in British style is luxury clothing specialist Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com/us), which should make the recent collaborations between these two brands unsurprising.

Even before the recent link-up with 007, Sunspel could boast a proud, strong and longstanding relationship with the world of stage and screen, with the brand’s clothing having appeared in such iconic productions as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan’s Batman collaborations. Such appearances have been driven by the British menswear supplier’s partnerships with leading industry designers, including Lindy Hemming, the academy award winning costume designer who has worked with Sunspel since her time at the UK’s National theatre.

Sure enough, it was Sunspel to which Hemming turned for assistance with designing a polo shirt to be worn by Bond in his 2006 outing, Casino Royale. In responding to the brief, the company decided to use one of its unique vintage fabrics, Q75, in its reconfiguration of its classic shirt to suit Daniel Craig’s physique. This would make it easier for him to move in those renowned Bond action sequences. He made a return in several Sunspel shirts for 2008’s Quantum of Solace, with Hemming explaining the decision on account of the “classic, timeless and beautifully made” quality of the brand’s heritage clothing.

Fast-forward to 2012 and the 50^th anniversary of the original film in the series, 1962’s Dr No, and Sunspel was once again working with Hemming on James Bond clothing, namely a pair of pale blue shorts inspired by those so memorably worn by Sean Connery in Thunderball in 1965. The garment was to feature in a wider celebration of all things British in a summer also marked by the London Olympics and Paralympics, with the Barbican in the UK holding an exhibition focusing on what remains the most influential movie series on the planet.

On this occasion, Hemming was serving as co-curator with fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave, and neither of them was to be disappointed with the final result. Making the most of its unique access to Lindy’s captivating research and original archives, the mens underwear specialist envisaged what James Bond would wear and created a pair of shorts that benefitted from its usual exacting craftsmanship and attention to detail. After many meetings, samples, tests and continual refinement, the handmade shorts were finally ready for display.

Having been held at the Barbican until 5^th September 2012, the show has now set off on a three year world tour, showcasing Sunspel’s (http://www.sunspel.com/us) and Bond’s style innovation to an even wider range of admirers of quality mens clothing.