The James Bond SPECTRE robe
Updated December 16th, 2016 – So, way back in December of 2014, AJB007 member kadd introduced a theory on this thread that James Bond’s robe in Spectre was actually some type of traditional robe from Uzbekistan. After seeing the film, taking a closer look at the publicity shots with Bond wearing the robe, and searching high and low (see below) for suitable alternatives, I’m very much leaning towards kadd’s theory.
Specifically, the robe is some type of Central Asian chapan made with a bekasab or bekasam fabric. Above is a photograph from the filming of Spectre from the Sunday Express; below are two Uzbek chapans that are available for sale on Ebay for $15.00 and $24.00 and one from Etsy that is no longer available.
There are many elements pointing to the robe being a chapan: the longer length of the robe and sleeves; the fabric, which doesn’t seem to be terry cloth or toweling but still has some weight due to the light quilting; the striping pattern; the lack of a belt and collar; and especially the “horizontal” striping on the sleeves.
Traditional chapans are definitely more common in brighter colors (greens, yellows, blues, reds), but I did come across some that use the neutral browns and rusts of Bond’s robe, like the modern ones below seen on the website Tours To Uzbekistan.
Or these pictures by Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky from 1911 found at R. John Howe’s website, of an Uzbek boy and an older family (specifically the gentleman on the far left):
Personally, I’d think it pretty cool if it is a chapan. It’s exactly the kind of thing Bond could have picked up during his military service in the Middle East and Central Asia, so it somehow feels a little more “personal” that he’s wearing it around his apartment. Update – Over at the AJB007, forum member Meesta Bawnd shared that he had spoken with SPECTRE costume designer Jany Temime. She told him that they had purchased the vintage robe at a Turkish shop in Pimlico. So it’s basically a one-of-a-kind.
Finding a chapan that matches Bond’s perfectly may be impossible. But there are lots of options available on Ebay (both U.S. and UK) and Etsy, ranging in price from $15.00 to over $300.00. Just try searching for “chapan”, “khalat”, “bekasam” and “bekasab”. This is a close one I found on etsy:
And another I found on Anahita Gallery selling for $250.00 U.S.
Modern Options for the James Bond SPECTRE Robe
However, if you just prefer a Western style robe, there are some alternatives.
Men’s Dressing Gowns (yes, there is such a website) has the Bown Zamara for £69.95. I think this is the same model on Amazon UK for £69.95, but the colors look darker in the Amazon photo. As far as I can tell, it was AJB007 member jared_nomak who first discussed the Bown robes.
Another option from Bown of London is this similarly styled robe in Wine/Grey and Ecru. You can find it on Amazon U.S. for $95.00 or on Amazon UK for £58.95 to £61.95.
The Pierre Roche Striped Fleece Dressing Gown is available at Ebay UK for £12.99.
Nordstrom has the Majestic International Fleece Robe in Austerity for $75.00. This is a significantly heavier robe than the one Bond wore. And with its shawl collar and large patch pockets, its styling is certainly different. But the color and subtle striping echo what we saw on film. So, not a bad option if you’re looking for something really warm to wear.
I’ll keep adding options as I find them. In the meantime, remember to check out our Facebook page and Pinterest Boards for more James Bond style advice, inspiration and info on where to find the latest deals!
Featured image was sourced from the Daily Mail UK. The information regarding chapans comes from Susan Meller’s website.
