Bond trades tuxes for knitwear with a shawl cardigan in Quantum of Solace

Who says cardies aren't cool? The super spy shows the way...

Ever since Sean Connery’s warm Scottish burr announced the arrival of a new breed of cinematic action hero in 1962’s Dr. No, James Bond has been considered a smooth, suave and sophisticated dresser. Over the subsequent years, five different actors have picked up Connery’s mantle and brought their own individual sense of style (or lack thereof in the case of Roger Moore’s safari suits) to the character, however a gentlemanly finesse has always nestled comfortably at the heart of Bond. This bachelor swagger was defined by tuxedoes and spotless suits that always looked immaculate and polished in a way that most men (and their women) can only dream of. But all this changed with the introduction of one rather memorable pair of swimming trunks.

In Casino Royale, the long-standing image of Bond as a dull dresser was thrown a curve ball when Daniel Craig’s Bond emerged from the sea in a snug pair of La Perla swimming shorts. Suddenly he wasn’t carefully styling his hair or shining his expensive cufflinks, but looking raw and reckless. No longer was he as made-up and glossy as his leading ladies but nonchalant and relaxed in his natural masculinity. He threw off the style shackles of countless suits and became a contemporary fashion icon, relevant to a new generation of young men hungry for a 007 with edge. And this modern makeover continued with Quantum of Solace.

And who do we have to thank for keeping Bond on-trend but former Gucci saviour Tom Ford. Invited to contribute to the Bond flick by none other than the super spy himself, Ford has spoken of his excitement at the collaboration, enthusing: “I could not be happier to be dressing Daniel Craig in the next James Bond film. It is an honour to move forward with this iconic character and there is no better man to dress in the world than James Bond.”

Having been taken up on his offer, Craig was similarly thrilled adding: “You might have expected us to go to Savile Row, but Tom Ford’s at the cutting edge of couture for men. I couldn’t be happier that he got involved.” Having recruited one of the fashion world’s brightest stars, the next step was to establish a look for Bond in QoS. Working alongside Ford was costume designer Louise Frogley and together they pioneered a “fresh and relevant” look, one that sees our hero give the tuxes a break for the cosy comforts of a cardigan.

With knitwear a huge catwalk trend for guys at the moment, cardigans are enjoying a comeback, no longer are they the property of crusty old timers or geriatric professors as a young generation is embracing them as their own. Of course, this isn’t just any old woollen affair that Bond’s gran knocked up (not that he has one, but if he did she’d surely be inundating him with the handiwork of her knitting needles every Christmas), but trademark Tom Ford with clean lines, sleek details and plenty of panache.

This cardigan is black, ribbed with chunky buttons and two pockets, however the fashion flourish that really stands out is the shawl neck. Like cardigans, the shawl neck is at the forefront of this runway renaissance suggesting a soft warmth that is great for winter weather and a relaxed informality that makes it perfect for weekend wear.

The humble cardie might be more casual than casino, more loungewear than lust wear, but where Bond goes, the rest of us follow and we can’t wait to snap up a shawl neck. Unfortunately the Tom Ford original was only released in limited edition numbers with the release of QoS; however these other cardigans all stay true to his shawl sophistication.