Fashioning James Bond: Costume, Gender and Identity in the World of 007

The book "Fashioning James Bond" is the first to explore the costumes and fashions of the James Bond movie franchise, analyzing how they reflect the development of gender and identity, evoke the desire for an aspirational lifestyle, and contribute to the critical literature surrounding film, fashion, gender, and James Bond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Fashioning James Bond is a groundbreaking book that delves into the costumes and fashions of the iconic James Bond movie franchise,spanning from the debut of Sean Connery in Dr. No in 1962 to the latest installment,Spectre, released in 2015. Authored by Llewella Chapman, this comprehensive work draws upon original archival research, in-depth analysis of the costumes and fashion brands featured in the Bond films, insightful interviews with families of tailors and shirt-makers who contributed to creating the distinctive "look of James Bond," and a thoughtful exploration of marketing strategies employed to promote the aspirational "James Bond lifestyle."

Chapman approaches each Bond film individually, questioning the significance of costumes in analyzing and evaluating the franchise. She explores how costumes not only shape the development of gender and identity within the James Bond universe but also evoke a sense of desire in audiences to embrace the fashions showcased on screen. Through her research, Chapman delves into the agency of the costume department, director, producer, and actors in shaping the look and characterization of James Bond, his villains, Bond girls, and henchmen.

In addition to examining the costumes themselves, Chapman analyzes trends and their impact on the Bond films. She explores how different costume designers have approached costuming these iconic characters, showcasing their individual creative visions. The book also provides a detailed account of the design and development process, from the initial concept to the final on-screen appearance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the creative team.

By examining the intersection of film, fashion, gender, and James Bond, Fashioning James Bond contributes to the growing critical literature in these areas. It offers valuable insights into the cultural significance of costumes and fashion in shaping the narrative and identity of the Bond franchise. Whether you are a fan of James Bond or a scholar interested in the intersection of these disciplines, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring influence of these iconic characters on popular culture.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350258488