There are many things that Brits just do better – pubs, dress shoes and, of course, spies. Stylish spies.
Think of the suavest, most sophisticated gents to grace the silver screen: Harry Palmer (The Ipcress File), Harry Hart (Kingsman) and Bond (James Bond) – all British, all disposed to espionage. Now everyone’s favourite British brand, Ted Baker, is offering you the chance to join its own intelligence agency and crack the [dress] code of autumn/winter 2016 with its latest campaign and interactive video. Agent, commence Mission Impeccable…
Ted Baker: Mission Impeccable
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join top agents Lacey, Silke, Draper and Weaver in trying to stop evil villain ‘The Needle’ from selling the fabrics stolen from T.E.D HQ at auction. A cinematic short film – produced in collaboration with esteemed director Guy Ritchie as Executive Producer and Mentor to up-and-coming directors Crowns & Owls – introduces T.E.D, the enigmatic leader of the agency, as well as characters such as Jack Quard, Manny Quin and Penny Loafer. However, even secret agents aren’t ones to do things low-key, so the cryptic cyber campaign is fully shoppable on tedbaker.com, with the click of a mouse or press of a touchscreen. While the video is playing, pieces seen on the characters can be added to a ‘vault’ and checked out in detail at the end. Would-be snoops are also being called on to report to Ted Baker’s London flagship on Regent Street, where an interactive window display will issue a secret code. Those who speak the code into their concealed Q gadgets (okay, Google app) will win a prize to pick up in store.
Ted Baker Autumn/Winter 2016 Collection
Naturally, Ted Baker needs the best-dressed men for the job, which is why the team at TedQuarters has put together a new-season briefing to get recruits ready for the field. The on- and off-duty edit is designed to turn out agents-of-style braced for anything this mission (or the months ahead) throws their way.
The Details
Overt operatives needn’t blend into the shadows because prints are firmly in the frame for autumn/winter 2016, along with added texture, embellishment and finishing flourishes on everything from shirts to knitwear.
Laid-Back Luxe
Meanwhile, sleuths who need to make a swift departure can rely on a bevy of throw-on-and-go sports luxe pieces. Cuffed trousers, bomber jackets, jersey polos and unstructured patch-pocket blazers make light work of weekend dressing as well as incognito exits.
Razor Sharp Separates
Of course, no spy would be complete without a selection of faultless tailoring and sharp separates. Ted Baker offers the choice between becoming a master of disguise with dapper layers or blowing cover with tactile fabrics and statement prints.
Accessories Make The Man
Finally, keep classified documents secure with a luxe backpack or holdall masterfully crafted from textured Italian leather, and finish off your bag of tricks with printed ties (to dazzle), gloves (no fingerprints), scarves (makeshift gags) and wool hats (to disguise) inspired by the golden era of espionage.