Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style

From now until September, London’s Barbican Centre is paying tribute to all things James Bond. The Bond franchise has given us many things – uber-cool gadgets, impeccable suits, sexy Bond girls, enviable cars, hateable villains, exotic locations, screen icons – and this exhibit is nothing if not a long-overdue ode to Ian Flemming.

With more than 400 archive pieces, many that have never before been shown, the multi-sensory exhibit celebrates the creative genius from 1962’s Dr No to the release of this year’s most recent Bond film, Skyfall (due out in October).

Expect to see such iconic pieces such as the white bikini worn by Ursula Andress, Oddjob’s steel-rimmed bowler hat, the proto-type of Rosa Klebb’s flick knife shoes, Pierce Brosnan’s BMW motorcycle from Tomorrow Never Dies and the ultimate Bond symbol, the Aston Martin DB5. The exhibit is guest curated by fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming so you can rest assured that every gown, tuxedo, pair of shoes and villain costume will exceed expectations.

Whether you prefer Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, one thing is for sure, Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style is one show that is not to be missed.

Now through September 5, 2012
Barbican Centre
Silk Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
www.barbican.org.uk