James Bond has been a ubiquitous figure on page and screen since the character debuted in 1953.
He’s given us an overflowing trove of style inspiration, from tuxedos and polos to swim trunks and field jackets.
Rather than pore over Ian Fleming's 12 original novels, plus all the ensuing short stories and continuations, and then watch the 25 films to get up to speed on everything Bond has worn over the years, someone did all that work for you and conveniently put it in one place: This new book.
James Bond Style comes from luxury publisher Assouline and Academy-Award-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming, who worked on five Bond films. It explore 007's fashion throughout the eras, from Dr. No to No Time To Die, but also that of his nemeses, love interests and colleagues. So it's a nearly unlimited font of inspiration.
The book is presented in chronological order and broken down by actor, so there are sections for Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Each chapter features the character's most iconic looks, plus behind-the-scenes insights and stories from the costume designers responsible for dressing Bond, and the actual designers behind the outfits, like Donatella Versace and Tom Ford.
The anecdotes dive into some of the logistics behind the machine, like how Tom Ford created 33 bespoke tuxedos for No Time to Die, and how Prada made 20 dresses for Olga Kurylenko in Quantum of Solace, ranging in design from brand-new to ruined to accommodate the story arc.
Inside you'll find memorable looks, including Sean Connery's gray suit and trilby hat in From Russia with Love, Pierce Brosnan's black tux and Omega watch in Die Another Day, and Daniel Craig's gray tactical pants and navy sweater in Skyfall.
Peruse all 336 pages and 232 illustrations of this coffee table-worthy tome, and you still won't develop the skills of Britain's top spy. But you can at least dress like him.