 ou know the archetype: dashingly debonair, charismatic, charming, handsome, unshakeably assured, skilled tactician… International Men of Mystery cut from the (James) Bond, (Harry) Hart, (Harry) Palmer, and even perhaps the bumbling (but nonetheless stylishly resplendent) Maxwell Smart ilk. |
These are, naturally, fictional gentlemen who have nonetheless become worldly renowned cultural juggernauts that exclusively ply their highly skilled trade upon the silver-screen in what is a truly enterprising arena suffused with political intrigue and a constant meditation on morality; those select few who not only always cut a lithe, well adorned silhouette — no matter the circumstance nor locale at hand — but who harbour a steely characteristic resolve that seemingly renders them incapable of failure of any sort whether in an operative context or whilst in pursuit of matters more personal in nature (i.e. love & personal dressage).
Neither shaken nor easy stirred, these gentlemen are inarguably at once both enduring pioneers and constant custodians of an inspiring form of signature style that has proven to be quite endearing in its reflectively tasteful merit and sartorially poetic in its distinctive characteristic execution.
All that being said, it must be noted that beneath the finely attired sartorial veneer lies men who are — above all else — truly resourceful and capable individuals whose Renaissance-man skill sets and rich tastes in style ensure that they are always properly equipped with all the right tools to conquer any enterprising task set forth before them in what is a most rakishly debonair manner.
To that account, I would like to shine the spotlight today on one of the spies most underrated and oft carelessly overlooked tools of the trade: the survival trump card known as the go-bag.
Neither shaken nor easy stirred, these gentlemen are inarguably at once both enduring pioneers and constant custodians of an inspiring form of signature style that has proven to be quite endearing in its reflectively tasteful merit and sartorially poetic in its distinctive characteristic execution.
All that being said, it must be noted that beneath the finely attired sartorial veneer lies men who are — above all else — truly resourceful and capable individuals whose Renaissance-man skill sets and rich tastes in style ensure that they are always properly equipped with all the right tools to conquer any enterprising task set forth before them in what is a most rakishly debonair manner.
To that account, I would like to shine the spotlight today on one of the spies most underrated and oft carelessly overlooked tools of the trade: the survival trump card known as the go-bag.
A nebulous concept in truth, the practical nature of the spies go-bag is one that is strictly survival induced and as such is traditionally lined with the bare essentials from which he can not only fashion a hasty escape upon but subsist and prolong his existence with should a mission go sideways and he be immediately disavowed by his agency or lost behind envy lines.
So, what should it house?
In a traditional sense, it should contain an edited down version of that in which he would deem the quintessential field work necessities: perhaps a bevy of alias passports and foreign currencies, credit cards from various institutions in different assumed identities, a backup firearm, tactical gear, formal occasion wear…you name it.
Be that as it may, I’ve endeavoured today (with obvious liberties being taken) to refashion the go-bag concept in due course of curating what I believe would be the modern sartorialist's stylish interpretation thereof (with queues being gleaned from both my personal arsenal as well as those of Messrs Bond and Hart).
So, what should it house?
In a traditional sense, it should contain an edited down version of that in which he would deem the quintessential field work necessities: perhaps a bevy of alias passports and foreign currencies, credit cards from various institutions in different assumed identities, a backup firearm, tactical gear, formal occasion wear…you name it.
Be that as it may, I’ve endeavoured today (with obvious liberties being taken) to refashion the go-bag concept in due course of curating what I believe would be the modern sartorialist's stylish interpretation thereof (with queues being gleaned from both my personal arsenal as well as those of Messrs Bond and Hart).
To that account, it is consequently teeming with timeless style staples in which I would be more then content in living with (and in) should an occasion arise that would necessitate severing all ties and escaping in style to either a far-flung exotic locale or perhaps even a safe house in but a moment’s notice.
Fastidiously curated with the ideal of effortlessly marrying the practical styling doctrine of tactical espionage field work with that of the passion driven aesthetics of the modern sartorialist, the resultant go-bag resting before you today bespeaks unto a go-anywhere wardrobe of sorts that is characteristically understated in its signature polish, sartorially duplicitous (smart + casual) in its well-edited form, fashionably versatile (i.e. components that can be interchangeable styled in a multitude of ways)in its general markup, and reassuringly dependable in both its easy-to-wear nature (ie. black, grey, navy, white colour palette) and underlying fine craftsmanship.
Imbued with what is most assuredly a versatile mixture of smart and casual pieces that should sit well and resonate with any gentleman of true style, it is structured upon the reality that fine craftsmanship, impeccable quality and refined taste (above all else) will continually endure no matter what obstacle (or trending piece) is presented before them.
Fastidiously curated with the ideal of effortlessly marrying the practical styling doctrine of tactical espionage field work with that of the passion driven aesthetics of the modern sartorialist, the resultant go-bag resting before you today bespeaks unto a go-anywhere wardrobe of sorts that is characteristically understated in its signature polish, sartorially duplicitous (smart + casual) in its well-edited form, fashionably versatile (i.e. components that can be interchangeable styled in a multitude of ways)in its general markup, and reassuringly dependable in both its easy-to-wear nature (ie. black, grey, navy, white colour palette) and underlying fine craftsmanship.
Imbued with what is most assuredly a versatile mixture of smart and casual pieces that should sit well and resonate with any gentleman of true style, it is structured upon the reality that fine craftsmanship, impeccable quality and refined taste (above all else) will continually endure no matter what obstacle (or trending piece) is presented before them.
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As such, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join me in curating (and sharing if you will the components thereof) a signature go-bag capsule wardrobe capable of stopping any dastardly sartorial deed or opponent in its tracks whether it arrives courtesy of an uncharacteristic bout of poor judgement, a lack of time or proper preparation, or perhaps an evil arch nemesis who is dead set on sabotaging your prospects or relative personal sartorial cache (the last two of which I can’t imagine any gentleman would need concern himself with…).
From razor sharp suiting and faultless casual separates through stately headwear and all manner of capable accessories that maketh the agent (gloves to conceal fingerprints, scarves to protect ones skin, glasses to hide one’s identity, and horological marvels capable of various diving/driving/aviation feats), what follows are habiliments of the highest order of which upon wear will effectively render you a master of not only (formal) disguise but of your own signature style in that they will help you routinely cut the silhouette of an esteemed gentleman of style — a veritable agent of impeccable style as it were — whether you find yourself on-or-off the clock.
So with that in mind, here’s to escaping the clutches of poor sartorial taste and the uncertainties of the future whilst reporting to duty in style no matter where life sees fit in leading you.
From razor sharp suiting and faultless casual separates through stately headwear and all manner of capable accessories that maketh the agent (gloves to conceal fingerprints, scarves to protect ones skin, glasses to hide one’s identity, and horological marvels capable of various diving/driving/aviation feats), what follows are habiliments of the highest order of which upon wear will effectively render you a master of not only (formal) disguise but of your own signature style in that they will help you routinely cut the silhouette of an esteemed gentleman of style — a veritable agent of impeccable style as it were — whether you find yourself on-or-off the clock.
So with that in mind, here’s to escaping the clutches of poor sartorial taste and the uncertainties of the future whilst reporting to duty in style no matter where life sees fit in leading you.
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| This briefing was simple and the mission a resounding success. The idea was to refashion the whimsical — profoundly tactile and practical — contents of the espionage go-bag and transmogrify them into a collection of finely crafted and considered sartorial treasures capable of acting as an ageless failsafe wardrobe that a sartorialist could confidently swear by to satiate his styling desires in the event he need immediately drop everything in life (or perhaps simply fancies going on an impromptu vacation) due to an otherwise unforeseen circumstance of any sort. Notoriously handsome and impeccably charming, the resultant go-bag is an instant reminder of the distinguishing form of tasteful espionage-inspired style that has continually cast a spell of envy upon many a gent for the greater parts of the last century. Marked by an unshakeable foundation, permanent fashionability, and a run of fine form that seemingly never wanes, its curation was characteristically driven not merely by the jet-setting lifestyle of its iconic fictional namesakes but more so by their insatiable thirst for exceptionally well-made garments that reliably ensure that they are always ably prepared to tackle any mission — whether tactical or formal-leaning in nature — with ease. | : Spy Lookbook : Agents Bond, Fine, Smart, Solo. Hart & Palmer |
Of unquestionable quality, one could thus proclaim that this style (not survival) go-bag — which is in effect an espionage-inspired capsule wardrobe in its own right — is one in which a sartorialist could confidently turn to in order to properly attire himself without burdening himself with the uncharacteristic notion of compromising his style should his life be instantly upended tomorrow, five or even 20 years henceforth.
In that manner, one could say that investing in any manner thereof its contents is a sound call that is the sartorial equivalent of liquidating one's monetary assets into gold — a failsafe wardrobing Plan B if there ever were one.
Characteristically understated, elegantly harmonious, and quietly luxurious, the contents of this go-bag are — to put it bluntly — simply ageless.
And it is with that in mind that I will sign off and remind you to keep your wits (and style) about you at all times gentlemen as your life (as well as your reflective personal sartorial cache) may well depend upon it!
In that manner, one could say that investing in any manner thereof its contents is a sound call that is the sartorial equivalent of liquidating one's monetary assets into gold — a failsafe wardrobing Plan B if there ever were one.
Characteristically understated, elegantly harmonious, and quietly luxurious, the contents of this go-bag are — to put it bluntly — simply ageless.
And it is with that in mind that I will sign off and remind you to keep your wits (and style) about you at all times gentlemen as your life (as well as your reflective personal sartorial cache) may well depend upon it!
Share your thoughts + Shopping Directory…
Do you have a "go-bag" of any sort? If so, what are its contents/what would you consider your edited down style essentials?
Also, did any of the styles above catch your eye? Do be sure to check them out further if you desire with the shopping directory that follows…
Also, did any of the styles above catch your eye? Do be sure to check them out further if you desire with the shopping directory that follows…
| GREY SUIT: SuitSupply BLACK OXFORDS: Kingsman (or Topman) D.B BLAZER: Ralph Lauren (or Topman/Loro Piana) TRENCH COAT: Burberry (or Scotch & Soda) SMOKING JACKET: ASOS BLUE DRESS SHIRT: Kingsman (or Charles Tyrwhitt) WHITE DRESS SHIRT: Kingsman (or Topman) SWIM SHORTS: Orlebar Brown PAJAMAS: Derek Rose CABLE TURTLENECK: N. Peal WHITE CHINOS: ASOS TARTAN TROUSERS: KIngsman BRETON-STRIPE JUMPER: Saint James T-SHIRT: Everlane HERRINGBONE SLIPPERS: Donhall & Bell GLASSES: Garrett Leight | GO-BAG: Globe-Trotter (or ASOS holdall) TRILBY: Loro Piana PANAMA HAT: Borsalino WATCH: Raymond Weil (or Larsson & Jennings) FRAGRANCE: Penhalihgon NOTEBOOK: Kingsman + Smythson Panama EYE MASK: Armand Diradourian UMBRELLA: London Undercover BOXERS: Sunspel DRIVING GLOVES: Marks & Spencer KNIT TIE: Ralph Lauren BOW-TIE + POCKET SQUARE: ASOS GREY SILK TIE: Todd Snyder CUFFLINKS: Tom Ford GLOVES: Ralph Lauren SOCKS: Pantherella |
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