You've probably heard the news by now: Daniel Craig has finally (all but) accepted that $150 million offer to return as Bond (must have been a tough one that, Dan). Sure, he might have previously stated that he'd rather "slit his wrists" than reprise the role, but there you have it. He's back.
Some people may have preferred Hardy or even Emily Blunt for a fresh take on 007, but Dan's put in a good shift in the Aston Martin driving seat, and as long as he can refrain from jumping off a bridge or performing Hari Kiri before the cameras roll, then we're certain that he has plenty more manly stoicism and glacial charm to bring to the series.
But something has to change, Dan.
We need to broaden your wardrobe.
Make no mistake about it, Craig is easily one of the most stylish Bonds in the 007 canon, with a precise, monochromatic fashion sense that matches his 'strong and silent' portrayal of her Majesty's most reckless charge – but it's about time that Barbara Broccoli and co rediscovered the sense of fun that made Bond's choice of clothing so integral to the identity of each film.
After all, you can only gaze at so many beautiful grey suits and beautiful grey overcoats and beautiful grey... you get the picture, before audiences are going to start asking for something a bit... different?
We're not sure about you, but when we cast our minds back to the last three-or-so Bond films, they seem to blur into one cold, merino wool amalgamation of frigid Austrian mountains, black parkas, falsely-lit MI6 offices, gloomy Scottish moorland and sensible brogues (beautifully-made, of course). The clothes, much like the setting and storyline of the films, have become somewhat formulaic.
Daniel Craig in a beautiful grey suit. But where are the laughs?
Now we're not calling for a return to the sexist brand of Bond played by Sean Connery and Roger Moore, but what those films did do well was to create a sense of style that complimented the exotic action on screen. Back then it was Sean Connery swaggering about a beach in a Cuban collar shirt; now it's more like 007 in a sensible coat gets ready to catch the 08.17 into Waterloo, because he wants enough time to grab a coffee before that first meeting.
Sean Connery in a very 'IN' Cuban collar
Along with the potential death of the tie, the previously stringent rules surrounding menswear have grown increasingly more relaxed. Shoulders are unstructured; trainers are high-end; trousers are wide and shirts are printed. Business suits and black shoes look great, but 007 has always been a man in search of adventure.
We're not saying that 007 needs to infiltrate a nefarious syndicate of Supreme resellers or rock backless loafers while sipping a dry martini (just a chilled out vibe), but a bit of pattern on a shirt or a crop on a trouser wouldn't go amiss, you know?
James Bond has always been defined as much by what he wears as by what he does on screen, and if Dan's return is going to justify that mammoth payday then it might be in need of a refresh.
