‘Knees Are a Private Business’: Bill Nighy on Good Trousers, Terrible Advice, and His Love of Knitwear

My first introduction to Bill Nighy came via the vaguely lecherous “washed-up pop star” he so expertly plays in the backbone of the British Christmas canon, Love Actually. I was probably (definitely) too young to understand any of the jokes, but since that first fateful viewing, I’ve watched it enough times to recite the script start to finish—a limited-use party trick that’s not particularly enjoyable for whoever’s watching it with me. And, though my repertoire of comfort films has grown, Nighy has remained a constant: whether I’m hysterically crying through About Time or rewatching Emma and Chalet Girl for the millionth time, his unique breed of British stoicism and understated style is always there.

Beyond his extensive acting credits, Nighy has become quietly famous for his no-nonsense opinions on the machinations of life and regular sightings in and around London cafés. Meanwhile, his penchant for clothes has led to a partnership with the heritage knitwear brand John Smedley. The love story between Nighy and Smedley dates back over five decades, though it’s only recently that the actor has stepped out of the role of long-time wearer and into the creative collaborator seat to produce a collection of ’40s-inspired twinsets and long johns, in addition to the merino and cashmere classics.

With its discreet doodles and a “Stay Modern” mantra woven into the collection, Nighy hopes he “hasn’t done anything to disturb the average customer,” adding that “the people who buy John Smedley are pretty committed to the brand, but I’ve committed to crimes.” And for anyone in need of more sage soundbites from the star, you’re in luck: he’s just launched the podcast Ill-Advised by Bill Nighy, which allows listeners to call in for words of wisdom, no matter how trivial. Getting a head start on proceedings, Vogue sat down with Nighy to discuss his mod origins, what makes a decent pair of trousers, and why it’s never acceptable to be sock-less.