Why James Bond?

And an interview with Miloš Ristić, instagrams M.R.DolceVita

Why James Bond?

For all my life I have been into James Bond, I can’t tell you just how many times I have watched all 25x films in the series.

Ok, so I am a fan of many other franchises, the usual Marvel, Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings … the list goes on. But it is James Bond that dominates my bookshelf, my YouTube and podcast subscriptions and it is the only thing that has brought merch into my house.

Up until the last couple of years I have always been a bout the cinematic Bond, it was only since joining the Bond community that I started to read Fleming (currently slowly working my way through the continuation novels).

Through starting this newsletter it got me thinking, why James Bond? What is it about the films and the character itself that I am such a fan of.

As a character he certainly is far from being an ideal role model. Think about it, James Bond is a heavy drinker, a womaniser and his line of work raises many ethical questions.

But then there is the aspect that many men aspire for. Someone who dresses well and is physically fit, someone who frequently enjoys the finer things in life and travel the world.

The pro’s of James Bond represent many ideals that men would wish to aspire to. Certainly in the time of Connery and Moore the films showcased parts of the world that many people have never seen before, locations that the average person would never visit. A lifestyle and luxuries that were, at the time, out of reach for so many.

In the modern day we are all so lucky that the world is easily accessible to us, luxuries are becoming affordable for the average person.

All 25 films represent pure escapism, a window into a different world far away from out 9-5 jobs and family home life. The opening lyrics to All Time High (from Octopussy) sum it up perfectly, ‘all I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two’

James Bond is, for us Brits, our version of Superman or Captain America. The ultimate hero who fights for queen and country. The hero who symbolises, to the wider world, everything that is British. Think back to the 2012 Olympics, you have to admit that even a non-bond fan smiled when 007 and the Queen jumped out of the helicopter into the Olympic stadium.

It all began with ITV, I am sure those of you from the UK will remember that prior to streaming services and dvd box sets we all relied on the Bond Seasons on the TV. One evening I went into the living room and my dad was watching a film, he sat me down, pointed at Sean Connery and said ‘that man there, he is THE man’, all I remember is the volcano lair. The film of course was You Only Live Twice. It is far from being a favourite of mine, but it will always have the memory associated with it as being my first Bond film.

At my current stage in life, Bond has moved on from being nostalgia to being self improvement. One part of the ‘Bond Community’ (as we call ourselves) is the lifestyle aspect. It is about appreciating the finer things in life. When we have the opportunity we enjoy a martini or a glass of Bollinger. We appreciate nice clothing and watches. We use Bond as a benchmark on an online fitness challenge.

I use the outfits as inspiration for how to improve my own style, including recreating various outfits that I will discuss in further posts.

David Zaritsky from the Bond Experience coined the hashtag #BondFitnessChallenge a few years ago, many of us use James Bond as motivation to improve our own fitness. Despite still having a bit of a belly, through the ‘challenge’ and support of the Licence To Lift All group I am certainly the most physically fit I have ever been.

As I write this I have realised that Bond has meant a different thing to me from different times in my life, let’s just hope that Amazon don’t mess it up.

An Interview With…

When I was pondering over the creation of this newsletter and how I would like it to look I decided that I would like to include an interview section. There are so many content creators and interesting people on Instagram who inspire me and who I admire. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know them.

For my first interview I am joined by Milos, who you can find on Instagram as @mrdolcevita in his own words he is a ‘dentist on a sartorial journey’.

Through his account you can find travel, men’s style, watches and lots of coffee. I have followed his account for quite some time now and always admire his style and take on living his best life.

Milos, welcome to the first BondUpNorth interview. Thank you for agreeing to do this. I mentioned in the intro a little bit about your Instagram account. But could you tell us what inspired you to share your lifestyle and menswear online?

Thank you for the invitation, flattered and glad I can be part of it. I was an early adopter of Instagram, and started with some travel and coffee moments photography, but once people started to compliment my style, attire and overall lifestyle I tried to show a bit more, and to share my inspiration, moments of pure enjoyment and my "la dolce vita" view on everyday life.

The photos that you post are always very good quality, can you share any tips that you might have to get the right photo for Instagram?

Thank you, that's a nice compliment. All of my recent photos are take with iPhone 15 Pro, without much editing. My recipe is simple, similar tones, good compostion, not too much different details or colors, and ususlly my signature POV where I take photos of coffee or wristshots.

There is very much an Italian influence in your lifestyle, what do you do to bring a bit of Sprezzatura into your life?

I could tell I'm proper italophile and I have respect and affection for everything coming from the boot shaped peninsula. "Sprezzatura" is the term that is effortlesly part of my everyday, and from the first espresso in the morning till late apperitivos in the evening I just live it fully. I have admiration for "bella figura", tasteful domestic food, little daily rituals, italian brands and culture of bespoke tailoring, Vespa and cinquecento, negroni, Aperol and so on...Italy is my dream destination and country I could imagine myself living in one day.

I always enjoy seeing your watch collection, and how the pieces you wear can cover many scenarios, outfits and locations. Your collection is built up of many of what I would class as ‘affordable’ brands, which is always good to see. Out of your collection what is your current favourite piece?

Thank you, my collection has changed over years, but at the moment is built froma various brands and some rare vintage and modern popular pieces. My favourite from the collection is old Tissot tank winder with subdial, and out of my collection I admire a lot vintage Rolex and Omega pieces, Panerai and Cartier. Cartier Santos caree steel/gold is my choice.

And what is next on the shopping list?

Next on the shopping list is probably some gold or gold plated piece, I don't have any specific in mind. But would love to purchase in near future Tudor BB 54 or Cartier Tank classic.

Are you a fan of the James Bond Series? If so, do you have a favourite Bond actor?

Yes, guilty on charge. Huge fan of 007 series, and I always enjoy when I find some time to rewatch some of my favourites. My favourite movies are Thunderball and Casino Royale , and favourite Bond is Sir Sean Connery for sure, but also I enjoyed how Daniel Craig interpreted famous secret agent.

Amazon are currently working on the next James Bond film, let’s say you had a say in the style of the next film. What kind of watch and menswear brands would you put 007 in?

I heared that they own the series now, but didn't know that they are working on the new one currently. If I had a chance to influence it somehow, I would definitely bring back the Rolex into the movie, a modern version of No Date Submariner, Explorer and a Day Date in gold all followed by the scenario, situtation and needs of 007. Regarding style and brands I would definitly rely on Brioni for suits, Zegna and Brunello Cucinelli for some more relaxed look and would put some accessories and eyewear from TF and/or Moscott.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Miloś. For those of you reading, don’t forget to check out his account on Instagram.