My love affair with the international man of mystery started with GoldenEye. Enjoying replays of the movie and basement matches on the N64, this infatuation continued throughout college where I spent hours watching every Bond film from Dr. No to Skyfall. And in every film, Bond’s mannerisms and suits were a common sight. But, to the pimple faced pre-20s self it was just another star in a suit. It was the car chase scenes and fist fights in lethal situations that tickled my fancy, the rest was irrelevant.
But, spending time in the fashion industry changes you. Your taste and eye for the finer side of men’s fashion turns your attention to the outfits the character’s wear.
While re-watching some of the more memorable movies in the Bond lineup, I turned my attention away from Bond and took a look at what the baddies wore. My research resulted in a collection of villains with a variety of selective and rather dynamic outfits that added that extra bit of menace. Some of the villains’ outfits were colorful and unassuming and others were dark and forceful. And this attraction for evil outfits started with the most pleasant yet menacing baddie of them all, Tiago Rodriguez; better known as Raol Silva.
Silva
Played by Javier Bardem in the most recent Bond film, Skyfall, Silva is a heavily damaged ex-Mi6 agent with a taste for revenge. Best known for his sinister monologues and conversations with Bond and M, Silva’s getups compliment his blond hair. In the server room scene where Bond is tied to a chair, he is sporting a brown checkered shirt worn under a solid brown vest, matching pants and brown shoes. To complete the look, he wears a khaki coat over it all. The coat has sloping shoulders, two buttons in the front and four buttons on the sleeves; providing a modern look for a modern villain.
Le Chiffre
Next on the list of best dressed villains is the scared, poker face Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen in the movie Casino Royale. He is usually seen in a black shirt and black suit; fitting of his intimidating and sinister appearance throughout the film. The look is rather simple and devoid of any flair or color, but it deserves high marks for how well it emphasizes his outward appearance.
Francisco ScaramangaÂ
Made famous by Christopher Lee in the film Man with the Golden Gun, Scaramanga plays an high-priced assassin with a love for cool, southern outfits. Sporting a calm demeanor, his white suit seen throughout the film seems a bit dated. It has three buttons in the front (all buttoned), a shorter and wider lapel, loose sleeves and is longer than most coats. Even though the look may be tacky, it adds that extra bit of flair and swagger to Lee’s character.
Franz SanchezÂ
Seen in the film License to Kill, Sanchez (Robert Davi), is a leader of a powerful drug cartel with a strong grip on the fictional Republic of Isthmus. Reminiscent of Al Pacino’s character in Scarface, this cigar smoking drug lord is seen wearing light summer colors. White and light navy suits are common in Sanchez’s wardrobe. His light colored outfits and smooth mannerisms make him the perfect villain from South America.
Dr. Julius NoÂ
The first villain in the Bond series, Dr. Julius No is part of the mysterious group known as Spectre. Portrayed by Joesph Wiseman, he is often seen wearing a white Mandarin shirt and matching coat. Born from German and Chinese parents, the Mandarin outfit plays a key part in showcasing the Chinese side of his two part ethnicity. His hands crossed behind his back, Dr. No, along with his Mandarin suit, gives the appearance that he is wise beyond his years.