James Bond influence on fashion and lifestyle grows bigger with each passing year, with each addition to the movie franchise! The upcoming 007 flick, Spectre, is not even out yet and we’re already all over its teasing images, trying to scoop out as much as (in)humanly possible!
Fashion – that’s where our loyalty’s at! James Bond’s style approach was always impeccable. Exquisite and refined, a (007) Man needs to get his fashion references right and his closet in order. Next in the spotlight: the turtleneck! The Black Turtleneck!
Spectre was first introduced in December 2014 with an abstract poster that suggested a bullet-cracked glass on an all black background. Just a couple of days ago, however, James Bond made his appearance on the teaser poster. Daniel Craig in dark gray full look. Accessorized with his trusted Omega watch (the legendary watchmakers have been at Bond’s wrist for over 20 years), a gun and the brown leather holster, James Bond looks elegantly retro in upcoming Spectre 007 movie!
the Omega Planet Ocean 600m as seen in Skyfall, available for purchase here
See also: More watches from the movies!
Since he stepped in James Bond’s shoes, Tom Ford has taken care of the character’s formal wardrobe so it’s highly possible the pants would come from the same designer. The turtleneck sweater is also from a label James Bond has worn before (in Skyfall): N.Peal. In the poster, Daniel Craig wears the N.Peal 300 Spectre Mock Turtle Neck Sweater (in dark charcoal grey) as emphasized by the brand:
‘The sweater as worn by James Bond in the official teaser poster for the forthcoming Spectre film. Crafted from a blend of Cashmere and Silk worsted yarn, this mock turtle neck sweater is lightweight and perfect for action – the obvious choice for Bond.’
Daniel Craig’s James Bond wears a N.Peal turtleneck sweater on the Spectre teaser poster. Similar available here
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It’s hardly the first time James Bond has been seen wearing a turtleneck sweater on screen! Even the famous men lifestyle magazine GQ penned a bravo note to turtlenecks, admitting that ‘lots of Bonds have worn them’: from Pierce Brosnan (in Die Another Day) to Roger Moore (Live and Let Die) and Sean Connery (You Only Live Twice) and now to Daniel Craig, the world’s favorite spy relies on the magic of the turtleneck.
There’s a wide belief that since Craig took over 007, Steve McQueen is the style icon guiding the costumes and the fashion approach of the characters. The coolness factor of McQueen shines on even so many years after his legendary movies. There’s also another reason this poster hints all the way back to ‘You Only Live Twice’ as the first mentions about Spectre date from the early James Bond episodes, YOLT included! Back to the turtleneck, though:
Hardly an easy to wear item, the turtleneck stands for so much, it’s worth trying even if you’re reluctant to it! It’s not by accident that the turtleneck is called ‘polo neck’ in Old Europe: sportsmen were seen wearing this type of garment during their game and/or practice. Intellectuals (French philosopher Foucault) and movie stars (Mastroianni, Steve McQueen, Kirk Douglas and more), politicians and entrepreneurs alike (remember Steve Jobs’ legendary Issey Miyake black turtleneck), they all fell under the turtleneck spell, it’s time you do too and here are main ways you can approach this garment:
See also: Essential style rules for men!
1.The stand-alone Turtleneck
Worn as a both casual but also formal alternative to a buttoned classic shirt, the turtleneck sweater can be worn on its own, as a statement piece. Pair it with denim or sartorial pants, the soft, particular construction and look of the turtleneck sweater will elongate and accentuate the silhouette and the face as well.
2.The layered look Turtleneck
Throw a vest or a jacket over a turtleneck and it’s instantly a formal, carefully put together look although completely effortless! Whether you’re aiming for a contrasting outfit or a ton-sur-ton getup, the turtleneck is an equally inspired choice that will flatter anyone way more than any shirt-tie combo will ever do!
See also: The Style Evolution of Mr Justin Timberlake!
A more risqué combination is when the turtleneck is layered over a shirt! Special requirements apply in this case – the shirt must be seen at all costs – unfold the collar and certainly don’t tuck your shirt in your pants! The apparent casualness of the turtleneck brings a much-needed contrast to the crisp sartorial shirt underneath.
12 comments
I know that they like to attribute this look to James Bond but in truth Audrey Hepburn wore it before them all. : )
Not just Audrey Hepburn, Ellington. It was the existentialists look at the time as well. It’s hard to tell who wore the turtleneck first. Never mind, the black turtleneck is still a good look for male and female. I wore my first black turtleneck at fifteen and I felt like an existentialist.. :)
Audrey did everything (better) before them all :-)
every time I wear my black turtlenecks I feel so dolled up and strong at the same time. It’s a spell braided in the sweater, I swear!
Do you remember the turtleneck Julia Roberts is wearing in the lscène of Pretty Woman? Where she’s is ” Richard” appartement , at the balcony? There comes my inspiration over turtleneck.
ummm… the white one with the black suit jacket?
I have a question, how do you know or can proof that “Audrey did everything (better) before them all “? I love Audrey to bits and admired her lot for who she was. She was not Holly Golightly in real life. If you are a fan, you know why Audrey chose to live a quiet life in Switserland. Her place was a pretty and modest home. That tells a lot about the woman she was.
It is hard to tell who wore the turttleneck first., no one knows not even Google. ;)
:-) it was just a way to flatter Audrey’s legendary sense of fashion&style. Not trying to impose anything on her image or on you :-)
it’s become harder and harder to imagine life before Google :-)
Really?
(assuming it’s about Google) – I’m afraid so. And even more scared to imagine how life would be without Google :-)
It was just a thought, a slip of the tongue when I’d accidentally clicked on submit. :~)
Just was looking at article to find the designer of his suits…but that’s the part your article left out… you only mentioned that he had the same one in this 007 movie and the last one…??? This seem like an article to promote turtle necks??? I thought it was about the LOOK…not just the shirt….???? :(
fair point! Time has come to update with more information!
Thank you, Cordelia!
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