Firth shows that the tuxedo is a suitable choice for any man

Now Colin Firth is bringing red-carpet style to the nation’s wardrobes, single-handedly reviving traditional and elegant evening wear for British men, with Marks & Spencer announcing that sales of its classic tuxedo suit are up more than 100 per cent following the actor’s winning success at the recent BAFTA and Oscar award ceremonies.

But whereas Firth has been wearing top-of-the-range tuxedo suiting designed by Tom Ford, the M&S tuxedo suit is available at a snip of a price – just £59 – for the average British man.

It’s in a classic style with notch lapels and flat-front trousers.

There can be no doubt that, ever since his collaboration with Ford (formerly of Gucci) on the film, A Single Man, Colin Firth has been looking remarkably well dressed and impeccably groomed, leading to a new wave of “Firth Fever” among women.

Men, it seems, have taken notice and, having decided to sprinkle a little of the Firth sartorial magic upon themselves, are now in the process of sprucing themselves up.

Tony O’Connor, head of menswear design at Marks & Spencer, says of the trend: “Colin Firth has brought British style and sharp evening dressing back to the forefront of men’s fashion following his success in The King’s Speech.

“Men are introducing more and more formalwear into their wardrobes, and the success of the classic tuxedo at M&S proves that Firth Fever is making an impact.”