TOM FORD AND JAMES BOND

Tom Ford is licensed to dress James Bond in Quantum Of Solace

It's been whispered among the style spies in the fashion intelligence community for some time now, but only recently has it been officially confirmed that Tom Ford is licensed to dress James Bond in forthcoming 007 flick Quantum Of Solace. GQ's reigning best-dressed man and current Bond incumbent Daniel Craig will doubtless be pleased, as he is already a big fan of the Texan's tailoring off screen. Alas, a life of international espionage is not kind to one's wardrobe, with Craig having ruined well over 40 bespoke suits during filming - and counting. "It's really a crime - it makes me weep every time," said a misty-eyed Craig. "They are great suits."

Also likely to be weeping is Italian fashion house Brioni, which had previously supplied Bond's suits ever since Pierce Brosnan's Goldeneye. By contrast, Tom Ford is over the moon. "I could not be happier to be dressing Daniel Craig in the next James Bond film," said Ford, who himself managed a highly respectable fifth place in GQ's best-dressed list. "It is an honour to move forward with this iconic character and there is no better man to dress in the world than James Bond." Those of us who aren't employed by MI6 can take a quantum of solace from the fact that Tom Ford's sumptuous menswear is available to buy in the UK at Harrods. Jamie Millar

www.tomford.com

Posted 17 July