Suits and tuxedos have long been synonymous with power and sophistication, with cinema amplifying the allure with iconic moments and timeless characters. Over the years, men’s fashion has undergone a significant transformation, influencing their style and shaping trends enduring for decades, yet suits and tuxedoes are the most dominant and timeless pieces in a man’s closet. Whether it is a board meeting or a high-end party, a well-tailored suit or a tuxedo can instil immense confidence in a man. However, many men often struggle to find the right inspiration for styling them. Here’s a curated list of movies and shows that have redefined the art of suiting, offering ideas to elevate your wardrobe choices.
James Bond Franchises
The iconic British spy James Bond, famously known as 007, has consistently set the benchmark with his impeccable suit tastes. The iconic character opted for classic shades like black, navy blue and grey, while his suiting style mirrored the changing times in which the film was set. From the franchise’s first film, Dr. No (starring Sean Connery), to No Time To Die (starring Daniel Craig), the designers ensured that each bespoke piece captures the essence of James Bond’s style and suave persona.
Kingsman Franchise
An elite secret service using a Savile Row tailor shop as a front for their operations, suits become an indispensable part of the plotline. In the first instalment of the movie, there is a line that states, “The suit is a modern gentleman’s armour, and the Kingsman agents are the new knights”, and the film’s costume designer, Arianne Phillips (for Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle) and Michele Clapton (for The King’s Man), stayed true to this sentiments while creating the outfits. From double-breasted coats to velvet tuxedos, Kingsman franchises are the ultimate masterclass in wearing and accessorising a suit that sets you apart from the crowd.
Succession
Television series, like films, not only narrate exceptional stories but also set a benchmark for showcasing authenticity. While discussing legitimacy, the black comedy-drama Succession deserves a round of applause for introducing the audience to quiet luxury. The show’s costume designer, Michelle Matland, chose labels like Brioni, Loro Piana, Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani, all of which offer tailored masterpieces that exude power and confidence in every scene. From Logan Roy, the patriarch of the global media company, whose traditional style is reflected in his classic suits, to Kendell Roy, whose fashion-forward approach is evident in slim-fit suits with bolder colours and patterns, the variations in suiting styles highlight each generation’s different approach.
Suits
The successful American legal drama centres on a fictional corporate law firm, and it’s evident that the firm’s identity plays a significant part in shaping the characters’ wardrobes. The show’s main characters wore sharp and sophisticated suits, each incorporating their signature element that differentiated their roles. While Harvey Specter wore suits in conventional shades and cuts that exuded authority and timeless charm, Mike Ross opted for pieces with a contemporary flair.
Godfather (Trilogy)
The Godfather, Hollywood’s cult classic, is a must-include while discussing men’s timeless fashion. The gangster drama spans 60 years of the Corleone family, providing numerous style inspirations for men across generations. From Vito Corleone’s conventional wardrobe to Michael Corleone’s minimalist yet modern closet, each main character’s attire evolves to reflect the film’s shifting timeline.
The Gentlemen
Curious to witness the finest of Savile Row’s tailoring? Watch Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series, The Gentlemen. Theo James stars as Eddie Horniman, who inherits his father’s estate and discovers its ties with the cannabis empire controlled by the infamous mob boss Bobby Glass. With its focus on aristocracy and crime, costume designer Loulou Bontemps ensured tailored suits effortlessly took centre stage, exuding power and refinement.