At a loss for something to read I perused my book shelf and
discovered a book that had lain there gathering dust for more than twenty
years. It was a paperback edition of the Ian Fleming James Bond novel
Moonraker. Inside was a correspondence card of the type you see in the windows
of smart Mayfair stationers. I realised that it had been a gift to me from the
esteemed journalist and author Nick Foulkes. The note read that it may not be
the best written book but the sartorial references are of interest. I have never read a James
Bond novel before but Fleming's description of Bond's clothing was fascinating.
The photographs I have seen of Fleming show a man who looks as though he was a
fastidious dresser and one who cared about the details which is why Bond was
always impeccably turned out.
On my mantelpiece was an invitation from
Williams Motor Racing to join them at an event at the BT Tower formerly known
as The Post Office Tower and built in the Cold War period of the 1960's; all
very James Bond. We have recently become a sponsor of Williams and will be
dressing all of the Williams team so it would be a good opportunity to meet
them. Security was tight at the communications tower and when the security
guard asked for my name and identity I resisted saying the name's Hackett,
Jeremy Hackett.
Parked in the lobby was this seasons
Williams racing car and I have to say I did feel a sense of pride to see the
Hackett name emblazoned on the nose and I was surprised at how fragile it
appeared for a car that emitted such colossal power. I stepped into a
brightly lit and clinically clean elevator that glided me as swiftly and
silently up to the 30th floor as a Formula One racing car.
Inspired by James Bond I had chosen my outfit with care and had
decided upon a one button mid grey lightweight worsted suit with turn back
cuffs which I wore with a white double cuff shirt made from a two fold
cotton fabric from Thomas Mason. I had selected a plain navy blue silk woven
panama weave tie and my favourite silver tie pin that coordinated with my
silver monogrammed cufflinks, that also complimented my steel 1963 Rolex
Explorer. I checked my tie in the mirror before leaving the lift and wondered
if it was two way.
The evening had been planned to celebrate the forthcoming motor
racing season. All the Williams sponsors were there, Martini being the most
famous, a Martini was thrust into my hand and again, I resisted saying ‘shaken
not stirred’. Every one there was awaiting the arrival of Sir Frank Williams
who had been caught up in traffic. When the wheel chair bound Sir Frank arrived
(the unfortunate result of a car crash) he apologised profusely for being
late and made a short speech that was actually more like a cosy chat with
friends. He was urbane, self deprecating and extremely relaxed, dressed in a
white shirt, navy cashmere sweater and grey slacks.
Before I left I took a walk around the slowly revolving floor
and glanced out of the window into a clear bright night and the stars were twinkling making me
think I must read Diamonds are Forever. Good luck to the Williams Team down
under on Sunday.
Jeremy Hackett
