Bond ambition

All it takes is a great suit, matching shirt and tie, and of course, a dash of charm and a killer attitude.

With the new 007 sequel Spectre opening here tomorrow, self-proclaimed hipster Mohamad Zahir Abdul Latif and fashionista Erwin Mahdar undergo a James Bond makeover with the help of stylists from London shirtmaker TM Lewin.

Don't call them vain. These guys just want to look their best and there's nothing wrong with that.

US fashion designer Tom Ford once said that dressing well is a form of good manners and that's the style code Mr Erwin Mahdar lives by.

"How you dress is how you want people to perceive you," said the 35-year-old IT manager.

Mr Mohamad Zahir Abdul Latif, 31, a graphic designer, agreed.

"Dressing well is a sign of respect for yourself," he said.

Both love the simple elegance that super spy James Bond exudes, saying the Bond look is "definitely doable".

Said Mr Erwin: "Every guy looks good dapper and we all should make the effort to put on a suit."

Bond is played for the fourth time on the big screen in Spectre by British actor Daniel Craig.

Mr Zahir, who used to wear a shirt and blazer to work, said: "I like how Daniel Craig's look is understated yet stylish. He also looks comfortable and confident.

"But I've become sloppy," he said, laughing. "I'm now a T-shirt and jeans person.

"But I do make it a point to dress up a little when I go out with my wife on weekends."

Mr Erwin, who describes his style as unpredictable, enjoys experimenting and subscribes to the Outfit Of The Day concept.

"We all have to make (fashion) mistakes before we find our own style," he said.

Both agreed that every man should own at least one complete suit in black, be it off-the-rack or tailor-made, though the latter is preferred.

"Wearing a suit makes you look dignified," said Mr Zahir, who owns one suit - his wedding outfit.

As for Mr Erwin, he cannot get enough of suits and white shirts.

"My industry is rather conservative, so I need to be in shirt and pants every day.

"I have about eight suits. I'd lower the temperature in the office so I can wear my suits comfortably. My poor staff have to put up with the cold," he said, laughing.

This article was first published on November 4, 2015.
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