Bond On Bond (23 page)

Meanwhile, back in London, Douglas Hayward had fast established a reputation as a tailor to the stars – and many of my friends. Doug was a real character to say the least. His anecdotage and attitude were the source for the character Harry Pendel in John le Carré’s
The Tailor of Panama
; his charming manner was the model for his friend Michael Caine’s 1966 performance in
Alfie.
Doug’s celebrity client roster included Peter Sellers, Terence Stamp, Richard Burton, Alan Whicker, Michael Parkinson, Rex Harrison, Jackie Stewart and Michael Caine, among many others – whom he often visited in a second-hand Mini, packed full of material. He was so passionate about serving his clients that he’d go wherever they asked. That sounded perfect to me and, apart from becoming a dear friend, he also made all my subsequent suits, right up until his untimely death in 2008.

The 1970s were famous for flares and wide collars, and though my Bond’s look was contemporary, it was relatively restrained when you look at some of the more outrageous trends in menswear. In the early 1980s a more traditional style was introduced, with classic three-piece suits and blazers, coupled with casual coolness. I’ve been told – sometimes sneeringly – that nobody can carry off a safari suit quite like me.

At the time, Doug’s principle was, ‘Keep them as classic as possible, as I believe people will be watching Bond films in twenty years’ time … keep noticeable [current fashion] details, such as turnback cuffs, to a minimum. Fred Astaire could walk down the street today in a suit that was made for him in the 1930s and look fabulous. I have always borne that in mind when making clothes for films and I don’t think I have ever done work for a film I am now embarrassed by.’

One of the perks of being the so-called star of a film is that you could legitimately steal – or should I say ‘request’ – items of wardrobe. After all, they are tailor-made for you, so who else can use them? On
The Man With The Golden Gun
I wore a particularly nice suit for what was to be the final scene.

‘Hmmm,’ I thought, ‘must ensure this doesn’t get dirty, I’d like this one.’ So I did my level best to keep the suit smart, un-creased and unblemished.

As the director called ‘Cut!’ I smiled widely, stroked my lapels and … a huge bucket of paste came down from above and completely ruined my lovely suit, not to mention my well-groomed hair. I looked up, and saw Cubby Broccoli wetting himself with laughter. He knew I had been admiring it!