The chase, the hunt, the kill, the adrenaline rush, the spine-tingling sensation. Super spies and detectives have saved the world many times displaying their skill, intelligence, agility and terrific muscle power, and also mind-blowing personal style. Solving the style mysteries of a few iconic spies and sleuths:
JAMES BOND
Tuxedos anyone? With a vodka martini, shaken not stirred. Agent 007 has stood for power and style for decades now. Daniel Craig, the latest Bond, does it just right. Being careless with a suit is fascinating. Tom Ford grey suits, Omega Seamaster Diver Blue watch, summer shirts, cool shades, swimwear worth reckoning, Bond is a fashion icon. Special mention for the cufflinks. Details matter.
Top pick: When fashion is about knowing the rules and breaking them, Bond does it best. Be easy on your personal style, he seems to say. But do the best.
ETHAN HUNT
Whether Mr Cruise is jumping out of the Burj Khalifa in tactical gear, donning the sleek Oakley Wind Jacket glasses or racing through continents, he is easy on the eye as the suave IMF agent. The sharp fit trousers and shirts have huge appeal. On the road, a distressed leather hooded jacket, denims and a basic tee make it all come together. Ghost Protocol sees the Tudor Heritage Chronograph watch on Ethan. Grey and blue suits and tuxedos, and Hawaiin shirts have also made appearance through the years.
Top pick: The glasses and tactical wear make great combination. Well fit clothes leave a lasting impression.
MATA HARI
This one is high on speculation. The gorgeous Dutch exotic dancer was suspected of being a spy, but there is no real evidence. But she did leave a lot of fashion choices to think about. Her sensuality was the highlight of her style: beautiful gowns and bejewelled bras, feathered headgear and pearls, hats and high heels. A lot of her dance costumes were inspired by Malaysian culture. To be as unabashed and brave as her is an everlasting fantasy.
Top pick: Wear the studded bralette under a wrap dress and unleash the inner diva.
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Last but never the least. The most loved eccentric genius detective Mr Holmes. In the stories, Sherlock is known to be wearing the
Ulster jacket (cape-like), the deerstalker hat hat and smoking a pipe. Cut to Benedict Cumberbatch…this new-age Sherlock was a talking point in fashion circles and otherwise. He wore a long tweed Milford overcoat, from the British brand Belstaff along with the deerstalker. Slim suits and shirts from Dolce & Gabbana, and those scarves tied in a European loop style. A high point of Benedict’s Sherlock is his recklessly stylish hair.
Top pick: The jacket, the scarves, but what really catches the eye is the effortless attitude.
Stay lithe, stay stylish.
The columnist speaks her mind on everything about fashion. Contact @sanikakakirde
