007's retro sartorial style

If you’re curious to know more about the legend that is James Bond, do pop along to the new exhibition at the Barbican. Fifty Years of James Bond Style is a must for lovers of retro fashion, illustration, technology and set design. 

As well as major fashion houses, the work of many specialist costume designers is showcased.Original costumes by the likes of Lindy Hemming are on display at the show - along with footage of illustrious cast members performing daredevil acts in their jaw-dropping outfits. You'll see Beatrice ‘Bumble’ Dawson’s creations for Pussy Galore, including the famous golden waistcoat, which tantalized Bond with its glow. And guess who these items of swimwear belonged to...

 

Did you know that Sean Connery’s first suit followed the late Savile Row tailor Anthony Sinclair’s line, which became known as the Conduit Cut? The tailor’s clientele included army men, who favoured a cavalry style – slim trousers, plus a jacket with a high arm hole and 'hacking cut.' It was Terence Young, the director of ‘Dr No’, who first introduced Connery to Sinclair.

By the way, if you’re looking for some sartorially retro style, how about these OR WOT! braces at ShopCurious – they’re produced by the oldest braces manufacturer in the world, who, of course, are responsible for James Bond’s braces.

The exhibition also features Richard Chopping’s illustrations for the dust jackets of Fleming’s James Bond novels, plus sketches and promotional artwork for the 007 films. Oh, and there are plenty of geeky gadgets and espionage paraphernalia too. That’s if you don’t get waylaid at the Martini bar…

Will You?

London's most conspicuously cool landmark?

It’s come a long way since its original conception around 12 years ago, but today The Shard will be officially opened to the public.An extraordinary feat of engineering has taken place to create the mega-monolith - just take a look at the photo gallery of the construction project at Wikipedia (see link above). During the course of the building works, I’ve also taken quite a few photographs from various angles and locations, several of which can be seen here:

Despite what the advertisement hoarding next to the Shard says, there’s no longer any need to travel to America - at least not to see the towering, shimmering glass of colossal high rise buildings.What’s more - the Shard is so conspicuous, it’s difficult to escape from, wherever you are in London...

With penthouses on offer at around £50 million apiece, the residential accomodation on offer is a tad pricey, but if you’re looking for something tall, with a bit of English provenance, how about these curiously collectable twisted wood antique candlesticks from ShopCurious? I’m not sure how well they'd suit a contemporary apartment in The Shard, but if you love old fashioned British style and subtle lighting (as opposed to laser light displays), these may be just what you’re looking for.

 

Are you?

Starry summer style...

Well, at least we can’t say we haven’t had a summer. There was one blisteringly hot day last week in London, which coincided with me being stuck inside the Royal Albert Hall. Not that I’m complaining, as I was there for a George Benson concert.

It was actually quite cool before the audience arrived – but 5000 people or so later and it was quite a different matter. George was on amazing form – with his sultry-smooth voice and dexterous guitar skills. He’s no spring chicken, but his performance was incredibly energetic for any age.

Afterwards, I got to meet some of the band members, including sensational drummer, Oscar Seaton.

It was a great honour to meet George Benson too – in fact I was totally captivated by his beautiful eyes…

When, in my stunned state, I walked out onto Kensington Gore, the Albert Memorial rose up in front of me like an apparition.

 And then Dustin Hoffman appeared out of the blue, looking like he’d just flown in on the red eye. It was curiously surreal to see him, let alone hear him say, “Look, I can’t stand around all night while you fiddle about trying to work out your camera.”

 

Anyway, if you’d like to add some starry summer style to your life, how about one of these copper, quartz and crystal cluster rings from ShopCurious?

Do you?