NEW YORK -- When it comes to fashion, few would say that 007 is anything less than a 10.

Along with sports cars, gadgets and sex appeal, an impeccable sense of style is a hallmark of the 46-year-old James Bond movie franchise, which expands to 22 films with "Quantum of Solace."

The look of the newest Bond, played for the second time by Daniel Craig, is rugged, in the spirit of Sean Connery, who introduced 007 on screen. His wardrobe is sparse, yet elegant, with a palette mostly limited to basic black, white, blue and gray, says Louise Frogley, costume designer of "Quantum of Solace."

To create a good chunk of it, she turned to Tom Ford, a former Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent designer who now has his own Saville Row-style brand.

"A lot of people in the fashion industry think that people who wear traditional clothes are dull," Ford says. "Bond proves that just because you're wearing traditional clothes, your life can be anything but dull."

Ford kept the designs streamlined.

"By dressing him in a very simple way, it accentuates that it looks simple on the surface, but it isn't. It's a metaphor for the perfect suit. . . . It should look easy and natural and a part of you," he says.

Ford's label made 450 full outfits for 11 costume changes in the film. There were replicas for stuntmen and outfits with varying degrees of wear and tear.

Among his designs is Bond's tuxedo in midnight blue with a classic shawl collar.

Frogley says that when author Ian Fleming introduced the world to Bond in books in the late 1940s, a luxurious wardrobe was exciting and aspirational.

The Bond tuxedo was the perfect symbol for sophistication and untold wealth. In that suit, he'd go to exotic places his fans could only dream of, yet the simplicity of the ensemble also made it relatable.

The cut of the garment is particularly important, since Bond has to run, jump and dodge bullets, while still looking good.

"The jackets would swirl when Daniel was doing a lot of movement," Frogley recalls. "They're perfect for Bond."

Yet Frogley didn't want Craig's muscular physique to be distracting. "You want to hide the muscles in a suit. . . . You want to leave that as a wonderful surprise when he's wearing something else or less," she says with a laugh.

Ah yes, Bond taking off some clothes is another important part of the franchise.

It's his way with the ladies -- as well as his maturity, sophistication, glamour, humor and resourcefulness -- that makes Bond the guy many men dream of being.

The manliness that 007 exudes is as relevant now as it was in 1962's "Dr. No," says Stephen Urquhart, global brand president of Omega. "Only the enemies have changed."