James Bond Style: A Definitive Guide to 60 Years of Iconic Fashion
Melania Guarda Ceccoli- Oct 14, 2024
- 4 min read
The name "James Bond" conjures up more than just thrilling action sequences and high-stakes espionage—it's synonymous with timeless style. From the first film Dr. No to the latest No Time To Die, the Bond franchise has set a high standard for cinematic fashion, captivating audiences for over six decades.
Costume designer Lindy Hemming, who worked on five of the series’ films, perhaps captured it best when she said, "I don’t know any other film series that has created such a definitive style for its main character—one that’s captivated audiences for over sixty years.”
Now, fans and fashion enthusiasts alike can dive into the world of 007’s wardrobe with James Bond Style, a comprehensive new book that explores the fashion legacy of the iconic film series. Written by Hemming herself, this visual anthology takes readers on a sartorial journey through all twenty-five Bond films, covering not only the wardrobe of the famous spy but also the stylish looks of his adversaries, love interests, and colleagues.
With text and captions penned by Hemming, an introduction from Dylan Jones OBE, editor-in-chief of the London Evening Standard, and contributions from renowned fashion designers and actors, the book stands as a definitive celebration of Bond’s inimitable style.
The Timeless Wardrobe of 007
The book organizes its chapters chronologically, corresponding to each Bond actor—Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig—offering an insightful look at how the style of Bond evolved through the decades. From Connery’s classic tuxedos in Dr. No to Craig’s sleek modern ensembles in Casino Royale and No Time To Die, the book highlights the most iconic outfits worn by each iteration of the superspy.
Readers are treated to behind-the-scenes stories and fashion insights from the costume designers and fashion houses involved in crafting these looks. For instance, thirty-three custom-made Tom Ford tuxedos were created for Daniel Craig in No Time To Die to accommodate the rigours of filming. The scale of the production behind Bond’s wardrobe is nothing short of impressive: for Quantum of Solace, Prada fabricated twenty versions of a single dress for actress Olga Kurylenko, one for each stage of the film’s action, from pristine to completely destroyed.
Memorable Moments in Bond Fashion
James Bond Style also delves into some of the most memorable fashion moments in cinematic history. From Ursula Andress’ iconic white bikini scene in Dr. No, which has since become an unforgettable pop culture moment, to Halle Berry’s homage to that look in her orange La Perla bathing suit in Die Another Day, the book explores these timeless scenes in vivid detail. Daniel Craig’s unexpected viral moment in Casino Royale, where he emerges from the water in La Perla trunks—one of which later sold for £44,450 at auction—also takes centre stage.
The inclusion of never-before-seen sketches, detailed fashion breakdowns, and commentary from the likes of Donatella Versace, Tom Ford, and Jenny Packham enhances the book’s comprehensive approach to understanding the immense work that goes into creating Bond’s polished image. It showcases the meticulous craftsmanship required to bring 007’s world to life, both on screen and in the imagination of audiences.
A Fashion Legacy, Captured Like Never Before
While James Bond’s missions often involve saving the world, James Bond Style reveals that he’s also an enduring symbol of impeccable fashion. With 232 illustrations spread across 336 pages, this beautifully crafted volume—dubbed the ultimate Bond style bible—offers readers an unparalleled look into the artistry behind one of cinema’s most stylish franchises.
In addition to the costumes themselves, James Bond Style pays tribute to the talents who brought them to life. Hemming’s text is full of personal anecdotes from her time on the Bond sets, giving readers an insider’s view of the thought process behind some of the most iconic outfits in film history. Hemming is no stranger to the world of high-stakes costume design, having earned an Academy Award for Topsy-Turvy and garnered acclaim for her work on Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy and Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman.
For any fan of James Bond, fashion, or cinema history, James Bond Style is a treasure trove of visual splendour and insightful narrative. Whether you're fascinated by the character’s sharp suits, the glamorous gowns of his love interests, or the bold fashion choices of his nemeses, this book captures it all.
With its release in October 2024, this elegant tome will make a perfect addition to the bookshelf of any film or fashion enthusiast. Its meticulous attention to detail and behind-the-scenes stories ensure that no other book has chronicled the sartorial evolution of James Bond as comprehensively as this one.
A Tribute to Goldfinger at Burlington Arcade
In a special homage to the 1964 classic Goldfinger, London’s prestigious Burlington Arcade in Mayfair has created an exclusive 007 experience, running until 31 December 2024. This iconic retail destination features three handcrafted golden sculptures inspired by the Aston Martin DB5, seen speeding through the Arcade. Visitors walking beneath these installations will find a bespoke carpet inscribed with famous lines from Goldfinger, adding a cinematic touch to the experience.
Two custom-designed bars serve up signature 007 cocktails, crafted in partnership with Belvedere, Blackwell Rum, Champagne Bollinger, and Macallan. Fans can also admire movie props such as Oddjob’s hat, a Fort Knox gold bar, and Goldfinger’s golf shoes, displayed for the first time.
The 007 experience also includes a first-floor boutique offering exclusive Bond collaborations and collectables. From the 2024 James Bond luxury advent calendar to limited edition framed prints, there are plenty of Bond-themed treasures to discover. Visitors can even bid on The Macallan’s 60th Anniversary Decades whisky sets, with proceeds going to charity. Highlights include Fabergé’s Octopussy capsule collection and the display of two rare OMEGA James Bond watches in yellow gold.
Burlington Arcade has long been home to some of Bond’s most prestigious brands, including N.Peal, Crockett & Jones, and The Royal Mint, which have been associated with Bond since 1936. Nearby, other luxury 007 partners like Orlebar Brown and BOGNER contribute to the Bond experience, cementing the Arcade’s role as a Bond-inspired destination in the heart of Mayfair.
The 007 Experience at Burlington Arcade
Open until 31 December 2024 | 10 am–7 pm Mon–Sat, 11 am–6 pm Sun | No reservations required
James Bond Style
Text by Lindy Hemming, Introduction by Dylan Jones
336 pages | 232 illustrations | £100 | Release Date: October 2024
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