Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style

Yes Bond, James Bond has always been a showcase for gadgetry and high end style.  A lot of design talent went into crafting the many iconic scenes over the years.  The Barbican Center in London is hosting the Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style exhibit until September 5, 2012. 
Many top fashion designers have contributed to the exquisitely tailored look of this spy and his cohorts.  Along with Hollywood costumers Lindy Hemming, Bumble Dawson, Donfeld and Julie Harris, the exhibit includes looks from  Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, Hubert de Givenchy, Gucci's Frida Giannini, Douglas Hayward, Rifat Ozbek, Jenny Packham, Miuccia Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Anthony Sinclair, Philip Treacy, Emanuel Ungaro and Donatella Versace.  
See the evolution of sexy swimwear from Ursula Andress' famous white bikini from Dr. No, to Halle Berry's modern update in Die Another Day to Daniel Craig being the male version of eye candy in skimpy blue shorts in Casino Royale.
As for the famous tech and weapons, special effects experts John Stears and Chris Corbould are on hand along with artwork for sets and storyboards by production designers Sir Ken Adam, Peter Lamont and Syd Cain.
I wonder if the opening night party served up martinis...


Images from Daily Mail UK/Getty/AP/Rex

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The Dressmaker's Art - Bruce Museum, Greenwich CT

In a world of fast fashion and mass market distribution, where is the craft of dressmaking?

The current exhibit at the Bruce Museum in Connecticut showcases an edited collection from 1820 to the ‘modern’ 1920’s. Meticulous garments show the progression of technology and trends during this period, and how it influenced the speed of fashion trends. In addition to the show, there is an information lecture series, ranging from the Science of Dressmaking to Re-inventing Glamour.

Elaborate underpinnings, embellishments and accessories are also on display. An example would be the Brussels lace wedding veil once worn in 1903. Charles Worth, one of the first 'famous' fashion designers has a gown in the exhibit from the 1890's.

The exhibit runs until September 15th, 2010.

Photos courtesy of the Bruce Museum

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