If there's one James Bond-related topic that men don't care about, it's probably the fashion. But costumes are a key part of the Bond aesthetic. Where would 007 be without his trusty tuxedo? What good is a Bond girl without a slinky dress to put on ... or take off? So we went to the source, Quantum of Solace costume designer Louise Frogley. She gave us the scoop on the look of the film, who makes the best tuxedos and what it's like to see those beautiful (and expensive) clothes suffer through action sequences.

Natalie Broulette: How do you make your mark on a film that is part of such a popular franchise?

Louise Frogley: I'm not so concerned about making my mark. What I am concerned about is intuiting what the project requires. Bond is a franchise that has a hugely successful track record and my job is to support that and take it a little further.

NB: What inspired your costume choices? The locations, the characters, the plot?

LF: My costume choices were inspired by Marc Forster, our director, who early on discussed Steve McQueen's look with me. William Caxton has issued a wonderful book of photographs of McQueen and his look felt entirely right for now. By cosmic coincidence, Tom Ford was also very influenced by the same book. He works in the same way as I do, with boards of tear sheets for inspiration. The McQueen look and the early Bond look were very similar, same period, etc., and it felt right for now.

NB: Was your creativity limited by the pre-conceived notions surrounding a Bond film?

LF: I wasn't limited by anything. I just wanted to capture early Bond. He's so insouciant and elegant.

NB: What's your idea of who James Bond is and how he should dress?

LF: Bond is so alone that he's a little eccentric. He believes in dressing correctly at all times. He is as impeccable as circumstances allow.

NB: Does Daniel Craig sport a tuxedo in the film?

LF: Yes, Daniel wears a stolen tuxedo in the film. It's based on a photograph of Lapo Elkann which is so cool. He's wearing a '60s tux in midnight blue with a thin black shawl collar. Tom Ford also liked the same photograph, hence the tux.

NB: In your opinion, who designs the best tuxes?

LF: Of course Tom Ford designs the best tuxedos as they are based on the invisible consciousness that permeates all things of fashion.

NB: What is the look of the Bond girls in this film?

LF: I wanted the Bond girls snappy and slightly '60s, to harmonize with Bond. Prada had the best possible looks so I used them. Muicca Prada was incredibly helpful and made 20 identical dresses for us in one week.

NB: Does it drive you crazy to see your costumes get put through the wringer? Dirt, explosions, fight scenes, spilled martinis?

LF: I love seeing the clothes go through the wringer! They are all so expensive! It's a joy to see them hanging in rags. It takes away the seriousness of all things fashionable.

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