screen shot 2012-07-12 at 3.59.26 pm.png

LONDON CALLING

THE JAMES BOND 007 RETROSPECTIVE

Want to hip up your summer with some intrigue? Look no further with the Barbican in London that is helping mark the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, from 1962's Dr No to this year's Skyfall, with a unique exhibition showcasing the inside story of the design and style of the world's most influential and iconic movie brand called Designing 007.

You may already know that the Barbican Centre is one of the world's leading arts centres, founded and run by the City of London Corporation. It encompasses dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts and creative learning who work together in creating the model of tomorrow's international arts and learning centre.

And the cool begins.In collaboration with EON Productions and with unprecedented access to their archives, Designing 007 will be a multi-sensory experience, immersing audiences in the creation and development of Bond style over its auspicious 50 year history.

It will explore the craft behind the screen icons, the secret service and villains, tailoring and costumes, set and production design, automobiles, gadgets and special effects, graphic design and motion graphics, exotic locations, stunts and props.

screen shot 2012-07-12 at 4.01.16 pm.png

Highlights include gadgets and weapons made for Bond and his notorious adversaries by special effects experts John Stears and Chris Corbould, along with artwork for sets and storyboards by production designers Sir Ken Adam, Peter Lamont and Syd Cain, and costume designs by Bumble Dawson, Donfeld, Julie Harris, Lindy Hemming, Ronald Patterson, Emma Porteous, and Jany Temime.

Bond and his Bond Girls had tremendous style. On display, too, will be lavish screen finery by Hollywood costume designers and major fashion names including 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.

Designing 007 will transform the Barbican, taking the audience on a journey - a 'making of' and presentation of Bond style over 50 years. The exhibition is designed by Ab Rogers and curated by the Barbican, with guest-curation by fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming. Through Sept. 5, 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.barbican.org.uk