Suede is an unlikely choice for Morocco, yet it looks entirely at ease on Daniel Craig’s Bond there. The Matchless Craig Blouson is the maker’s version of that jacket: a plain suede blouson, handcrafted in Italy, in a limited edition of 700 pieces. It asks for no attention, which is exactly why it still works well away from the film.
In the film
Matchless revealed that Bond wears one of its suede jackets in Morocco in Spectre (2015). It appears on his arrival and again in a train scene, worn with a navy Tom Ford polo, Brunello Cucinelli chinos and J.Crew suede boots. The Craig Blouson is the jacket the brand put on sale. Collectors point to a collar hook on screen that the retail jacket leaves off, so we would call it a close match rather than an identical one.
The details of the Matchless Craig Blouson
Italian suede. Matchless describes the jacket as handcrafted in Italy from suede. The surface is soft and matt, and the natural colour is a light beige that sits easily with most of a wardrobe.
A plain front. The look rests on a few quiet details: an exposed two-way front zip, slash front pockets and a Mao-style standing collar. There is no chest pocket, so nothing interrupts the line from collar to hem.
Open hem and cuffs. There is no ribbed knit at the cuffs or hem, which keeps the silhouette clean. Distinctive seaming runs down the sleeves, a detail replica makers work hard to copy.
Limited to 700. It was released as a limited edition of 700 pieces and has been sold out at times, so availability varies. Natural is the colour from the film; it has also been made in chocolate brown.
Wearing it now
This is a jacket for the in-between hours: an early flight, a long lunch that turns into dinner, a walk home when the temperature drops. It sits most naturally over a plain navy polo or a fine knit, with chinos and suede boots, much as it does on screen. We would not dress it up. Worn over a shirt with a loosened collar, it is as formal as it needs to be.
Which colour? We would choose the natural. It is the film colour, it goes with navy, olive and grey, and it will wear in more kindly than a darker suede that shows every mark.
Care. Treat it with a suede protector before its first outing, brush it with a suede brush, and keep it out of heavy rain. If it does get wet, let it dry slowly away from heat. Suede that has been looked after improves with wear.
Buying. Because of the limited run, check stock with Matchless and its authorised dealers first. If you buy pre-owned, ask for measurements and clear photographs of the collar, seams and zip before you commit.
Specifications
| Maker | Matchless |
|---|---|
| Model | Craig Blouson |
| Material | Suede |
| Made | Handcrafted in Italy |
| Construction | Exposed front zip, slash front pockets, Mao-style standing collar, open hem and cuffs |
| Edition | Limited to 700 pieces |
| Colours | Natural; also made in chocolate brown |
| Price | Varies by retailer and stock; see Matchless for the current price |
Full details are on Matchless’s own page for the Craig Blouson.
Questions
Is this the exact jacket Bond wears in Spectre?
Not quite. It is Matchless’s own version, released after the brand revealed that Bond wears one of its suede jackets in Morocco. Replica makers note small differences, such as a collar hook seen on screen, so it is a close match rather than an identical one.
Is the Matchless Craig Blouson a limited edition?
Yes. Matchless made it in a limited edition of 700 pieces, and stock has been sold out at times. Check Matchless and its authorised dealers before looking elsewhere.
Where is the Matchless Craig Blouson made?
In Italy. Matchless describes the jacket as handcrafted there, in suede.
How do you care for a suede jacket like this?
Protect it with a suede spray before wearing, brush it gently along the nap, and avoid heavy rain. If it gets wet, dry it slowly at room temperature, never on a radiator.
More from the film in our guide to the Bond films, and the rest of Bond’s wardrobe in clothing.
