As George Lazenby, the former 007, turns 77, we cast an eye back over Anthony Sinclair’s enduring relationship with the one time James Bond.
George Lazenby looking as sharp as he did when Sinclair first dressed him in 1968
It's no secret that Anthony Sinclair dressed Sean Connery for all of his appearances in the James Bond films, however, what is less known is that George Lazenby was himself a customer of Sinclair's. Lazenby visited the Conduit Street tailor whilst he was looking to impress the producers for his audition for the role of Bond in 1968.
Connery and Sinclair - a tough act to follow
Lazenby had already purchased a Rolex Submariner and had his hair cut at Connery's barber, however, the final piece in the ensemble was a bespoke suit by Connery's tailor. Lazenby had previously worn French designer suits, but he felt it wouldn't be appropriate enough to sway the producers. Instead, only the best suit would do, and that meant visiting Anthony Sinclair.
Lazenby needed to make sure he looked the part
Unfortunately, Lazenby was unaware of the long process that crafting a bespoke suit would take, and was dismayed to learn that it would take six months to create. Disappointed, Lazenby was just about to leave when Sinclair stopped him, telling him that he had made a checked suit for Sean Connery that he had neglected to pick up. As Lazenby was a similar build to Connery, the suit needed only minor adjustments, with Sinclair lengthening the sleeves to fit his slightly longer arms.
Sinclair altered Connery’s suit to accommodate Lazenby’s reach
It was dressed in this suit that Lazenby furtively made his way into the offices of Eon Productions, standing squarely in the doorway and declaring "I hear you're looking for James Bond." The rest is, of course, history.
Lazenby got the haircut, the watch and the suit... and he got the job
Fast forward almost fifty years and Anthony Sinclair is still making George Lazenby's clothes. For the recent gala event in Oslo - James Bond in Norway - David Mason of Anthony Sinclair met with the former James Bond just three times in the United States to fit him for a three-piece dinner suit and finished the creation in a record six weeks.
David Mason and George Lazenby in Anthony Sinclair eveningwear
Lazenby decided on black rather than the traditional midnight blue for his suit, but the final piece is utterly classic.