No Time to Die World Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall
The charm, the adventure, the super cool gadgets... James Bond lives in our collective consciousness as the ultimate gentleman, intelligent and sophisticated, always surrounded by glamorous women.
After much anticipation and being pushed back three times, the 25th film in the James Bond series is finally out. Members of the Royal Family have attended the premiere, and the Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely stunning in a golden dress designed by Jenny Packham.
I've first written about James Bond in 2012 for my first fashion blog,. At the time, the Barbican was hosting an exhibition about 'Designing 007 - Fifty Years of Bond Style'.
One of the most fascinating things about James Bond is the adventure, he always manages to escape from near death situations, but not before you think there's no possible way out. His hi-tech gadgets and fast and beautifully designed vehicles certainly play an important role in his characterisation as a powerful secret agent.
And let's not forget the tailored suits! Anthony Sinclair masterminded the original screen wardrobe for Sean Connery's debut as 007 in Dr. No, establishing a traditional formal attire, which became known as the 'Bond look'.
The man behind one of the most iconic Hollywood characters is Ian Fleming. He commissioned a gold-plated Royal typewriter while on a visit to New York in 1952. Even though It only costed $174 at the time, it was actually sold at Christie's for £56,000 in May 1955.
Bond is always surrounded by beautiful women wearing amazing dresses, from Oscar de la Renta to Roberto Cavalli. It's important to mention Lindy Hemming, a recurrent costume designer for several Bond films.
One of cinema's most celebrated beach scenes features Ursula Andress wearing a white bikini in Dr. No (1962), later emulated in Die Another Day (2002), played by Halle Berry. But my favourite Bond girl is definitely Eva Green in Casino Royale (2006), she has a strong presence and commands respect.
The music is as iconic as James Bond himself, John Barry composed scores for 11 films in the series, among them Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.
The skeleton of the story is always the same, even if dressed in different ways, but somehow it works every time. Bond films continue to capture people's imagination!
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