Monday 22 March 2010

Brandwatch: From Sunspel With Love

I love discovering new brands, especially when they're associated with James Bond. Granted, we went through a shaky period style-wise from Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan. What secret agent would be seen dead in a Casio watch or Brioni?

But the arrival of Daniel Craig got things back on track. Much has been made of his Tom Ford wardrobe for Quantum of Solace, but it is Casino Royale which really ratchets up the sartorial points, if only for using niche independent brands. Specifically in terms of his polo shirt.

This timelessly classic, perfect-fitting number was manufactured by Sunspel, a British brand which has been making underwear and t-shirts for 150 years.

They also made the t-shirts for Christian Bale in the Dark Knight.

It's like they've got a 'By Appointment' crest for boys' heroes.

Aside from the movie associations, Sunspel seems to have kept an otherwise low profile and has made a point of remaining independent throughout its history.

This is actually a good thing dress-wise, because the last thing you want to be accused of is trying to dress like 007, even if you are.

But I'd be no good as a secret agent. Sunspel has been off my radar for so long I'm probably the last person to know about it.

I'm going to try to forget the associations with Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green label, and the other collaborations of a more questionable nature.

Thanks for the nod, GQ.

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4 comments:

  1. Have been a fan for ages, their Egyptian cotton t shirts are the best on the market. I guess they are famous for supplying Nick Kamen with his boxers in that famous levi ad in the 80's.

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  2. Hey Mark, I've yet to try any of this stuff personally but now have my eye on one of their polos. Nice that it's a UK brand, too.
    Just checked out your blog, a man after my own heart I see!
    Best wishes.

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  3. HI Graham,

    TBH, don't know where I am going with the blog, I just see things I love and stick them up, haven't quite mustered the courage to add words!!! Much respect to you sir, I don't know how you hold down a job and keep this so fresh.

    Regards

    Mark

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  4. It's a labour of love, that's for sure, but the blogging is the easy part - generating the awareness is what takes the time!

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