Steve.

You don’t find Steve’s much these days, that “King of Cool” era seems to have sailed.. But, I do remember as a kid My Dad and my Mom’s Brothers oozing that Tough & Timeless Style. So, recently at work trying to find the perfect guy counterpart to my plethora of Female Storyboard’s, my co-worker/friend Robert suggested Steve McQueen. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Robert himself reminisced about how as a kid in Cali, he excitedly remembers going to see Bullitt in the Theater and being so entranced by Steve’s character and his epic car chase through the Hilly Streets of San Francisco and the Bay Area (I do remember my Dad reminiscing as well ). So, my Friday Film-Style research date was on.

Bullitt, a action thriller released in October of 1968 was no disappoint. It was such a pleasure to watch Steve Mcqeen as SFPD Detective, Liet. Frank Bullitt. He was such a damn good actor and while watching him chase those bad guys with his classic cool and calm manner. I was so impressed that his chill vibe never left him on the screen and how his Style perfectly reflected his character even down to his paisley pajamas.

I can see why Robert and my Dad loved it so much. Now I hope you will enjoy my little Steve Storyboard style breakdown. * Below I added the original trailer to get you in the mood and you can even watch the Film for yourself over on HBO MAX streaming. Vroom. Vroom:)

Steve.

Sport Jacket • After a late night at the Hospital, Bullitt changes into his iconic wardrobe. Costume Designer Theadora Van Runkle definitely took a lot of inspiration from Steve McQueen’s personal wardrobe throughout the whole film and his Sport Coat was numero Uno. The original Brown Houndstooth with suede elbow patches was a classic of his in daily life as well.

I chose a Orvis Lightweight Highland Tweed Sport Coat in Brown that has that same vibe and more on a police detective budget:)

Trench Coat•It’s all about the layers for those cool San Fran Sunday Mornings when the film was made. Steve’s knee length light khaki Raincoat probably is a Classic Aquascutum London. I chose a modern version with classic details from A.P.C.

Turtleneck•Even Bond took a nod from Bullitt on the merits of a good navy cashmere Turtleneck. His original was a Ballantyne, but with so many I options I picked Sid Mashburn’s Fine-gauged Turtleneck Sweater.

Trousers•I feel like I'm channeling my Grandmother by using the word Trousers:) But, thats what he wore and very well if I might say so myself.

His original Charcoal grey flat fronts with a narrow cut in the legs were late 1960’s perfect. I found q similar pair via Saks from Brunello Cucinelli.

Boots•He loved his Brown Suede Boots and the Hutton Playboy Chukka was a perfect match and still is for any guy with Style.

Accessories.

I did leave out the gun, but if your curious it was a snub-nosed Colt Diamondback. He was a detective after all. But, other accessories do have a place here:)

Sunglasses• Oh the Persol’s even if your not a style guru, its common knowledge that Steve loved his Italian designed Persols on and off the screen. He wore the Classic 649’s in Bullitt, but I chose the classic 714 folding pair from The Thomas Crown Affair in Light Havana and Blue Polarized Lens.

Watch•Mcqueen loved watches and luxury ones at that. Often Actors of that time would wear their own accessories and he chose a more functional one. The New York watchmaker Benrus Series #3061. It’s similar to the Field watch created for American GI’s in Vietnam.

Aftershave•Before Johnny Depp put Dior’s Sauvage on the map. There was the 1966 version Eau Sauvage that Mcqueen splashed on his rugged face and it supposedly was one of the first to drive women wild with a special ingredient. HERE.

Car•My Last, but not least. The Car! and their actually was two 1968 Green Ford Mustang GT Fastback’s Bought by Warner Bros for Steve. You can read about it HERE. What a ride and chase even if your not a car enthusiast like I am.

Other Notes:

Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset) Bullitt’s Girlfriend had some wonderful Acting and style moments as well and her own Driving scene. Worth watchIng for that as well. *Her Yellow Shirtdress was to die for.

And Just Curious who is your favorite Actor Style Icon? Do share!

Until next Storyboard… C.