This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 24, 2015.

Apart from futuristic gadgets and fast cars, spies and secret agents in movies are also commonly associated with well-tailored suits. Be it in a slower-paced scene of having a drink at a bar or an action-packed confrontation with a villain (think Daniel Craig in Spectre and the scuffle that ensues with the character Marco Sciarra in a helicopter flying in the air), suits play a fundamental role — making viewers wonder that perhaps it is true that the suit makes a man.

Suits are certainly not limited to movie stars playing spy roles — they are quintessential to any wardrobe. This form of clothing has been around for over four centuries and has evolved in terms of material and design along the years.

Now, if all the spy-themed movies that hit the silver screen this year have left you wanting a perfectly fitted suit of your own, LORD’s spring/summer 2016 collection of dapper garments may just have one (or more) to suit your every need. 

LORD’s, the new flagship brand of Lord’s Tailor, showcased its exquisite tailoring on the runway at the LORD’s — A Spy Night to Remember showcase, part of the KL Fashion Weekend that took place at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. The smaller, more intimate theatre space of Pentas was transformed into a fashion runway for the launch of LORD’s capsule collection. Two Ducati motorcycles were parked at the beginning of the runway and the models walked past the mean machines in suits of different cuts and colours.

Applying the same principles of the tailor-made clothing, the premium ready-to-wear line aims to cater to varying occasions as well as its customers’ different styles. The palette for spring/summer 2016 is serious and business-like. Various tones of grey feature predominantly in the collection with suits in black, navy blue, light brown as well as white blazer and black trousers combo seen every now and then. Customers can also expect to see double-breasted blazers, trench coats and mandarin-collar jackets in the collection, injecting diversity into the collection.  

Apart from the double-breasted overcoat made of cashmere and wool, the other suits are all made from 100% wool but are lightweight to suit our Malaysian weather. The natural nature of the fabric and lightness makes them breathable and comfortable to wear.

LORD’s collection is inspired by the suits worn in spy-themed movies, and aptly so too considering that the brand has 40 years of experience in the craftsmanship of suits under its belt. The collection is particularly inspired by the newly released James Bond installation and reference to this theme was carried on throughout the show — violin maestro, Dennis Lau opened the show playing violin cover of Writings on the Wall, the soundtrack for Spectre, while songstress Ning Baizura performed Skyfall at the end of the night.

 The stylish outfits in LORD’s SS16 aspires to offer some creative collaterals in guiding men on how to dress like a spy for different everyday events such as in office or at a cocktail party. The collection combines the roots of traditional tailoring and commitment to workmanship to create a ready-to-wear line that exudes confidence.

LORD’s new spring/summer 2016 collection is available at the brand’s outlet, located at lot 6.18, Level 6 of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. 

Pour femme — the Zandra Rhodes collection

The LORD’s — A Spy Night to Remember fashion show also featured some iconic pieces from Zandra Rhodes heritage collection. This collection is reminiscent of the bohemian fashion during the flower power 70s. It featured the brand’s signature designs in long, kaftan-like pieces with billowing sleeves. 

The pieces seen on the runway were made of maxi- and midi-length outfits crafted from material with printed designs. The collection comprises mainly of pastel hues that add a relaxed and carefree element to them, with the occasional dash of orange or maroon in some of the designs. The Zandra Rhodes heritage collection is versatile in such a way that they can be worn on a casual day out and about or even paired with accessories for a formal evening setting.