From Switzerland with love: Design carries the flame far beyond the Olympic Games!

In London, design is igniting the flame with a major summer exhibition at the Barbican Centre, exploring all aspects of James Bond’s elegant and cool style.

Aptly titled “Designing 007: fifty years of Bond Style”, this cultural centre in London is exhibiting some 400 items from the Bond archives to create a unique exhibition showcasing the inside story of the design and style of the world’s most influential and iconic movie brand and coolest onscreen character created by Ian Fleming.

Highlights include gadgets and weapons made for Bond and his notorious adversaries, the famous Aston Martin DB5 (pictured in the Swiss Alps), the white bikini worn by Ursula Andres, the iconic Swiss actress who starred in the first James Bond film “Dr. No”, along with the tuxedo that was tailor-made for Sean Connery, the PPK pistol, art work for set designs and storyboards, sketches by the famous designer Ken Adams and furniture items straight from the set.

Among the mythic pieces featured in the latest Bond film “Quantum of Solace”: the chair and the sofa “Swan” by Arne Jacobsen, from the 60s, re-edited by Fritz Hansen, the table and the chairs of the Platner Collection from Knoll International (1966), and the famous lamps PH 3/2 by Louis Poulsen, that have, since 1925, been re-interpreted in many different ways. All this style can now be (re-)discovered, for example, at Teo Jacob, the Swiss specialist retailer for modern and contemporary furniture.

Also on display, the lavish screen finery by Hollywood costume designers and major fashion names, and for those chasing the Bond style and cool look of 007, the Omega Seamaster, Skyfall edition will be on show as well as other fashion items including sunglasses, cufflinks and more. Full details and an essential guide to dressing like Bond are available on www.jamesbondlifestyle.com.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, “Designing 007: fifty years of Bond Style” on show until 5^th September. Bookings are highly recommended: www.barbican.org.uk/bond!

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