The BSTN ‘Book Club’ is a series of in-depth book reviews about hand-picked publications from the ever-growing portfolio of books available at BSTN. Like dropping a cup of yogurt on the floor, this series is going all over the place, tackling a variety of topics from sports and traveling to collectibles and sneaker/fashion culture. Curating personal favorites of various BSTN Fam member as well as in-depth stories and stunning photography, the Book Club strives to deliver new favorites for your coffee-table as well as your book shelf.
First things first: We’d say there’s an argument to be made about how good James Bond serves as a (fictional) spy, because in light of the profession’s association with doing things inconspicuously, Bond’s outfits actually stand out quite a lot – but of course tailored tuxedos, the finest of watches, and the likes, blend just perfectly with the elite circles the man moves in.
‘JAMES BOND STYLE’
The book James Bond Style by Assouline delves into the evolution of fashion across all 25 James Bond movies, exploring how the franchise’s sartorial excellence has transcended eras for over six decades (!) already: Authored by Lindy Hemming, an Academy Award-winning costume designer who worked on five Bond films, the coffee table book offers unparalleled access to the creative minds behind 007’s looks.
Organized by the eras of Bond actors – from Sean Connery’s classic cool to Daniel Craig’s rugged modernity – the book meticulously showcases each iteration of 007’s wardrobe. From bespoke suits to vintage-inspired knitwear, it captures how each actor brought a unique sartorial sensibility to the role.
The book also shines a spotlight on the equally striking wardrobes of Bond’s allies, adversaries, and love interests, with deep dives into the contributions of world-class designers like Tom Ford, Prada, and Jenny Packham, and every memorable Bond fashion moment being documented – from Ursula Andress’s iconic white bikini in Dr. No to Halle Berry’s bold orange La Perla swimsuit in Die Another Day.
Behind-the-scenes anecdotes bring the clothes to life, revealing the immense effort behind Bond’s effortless appearances, such as crafting 33 bespoke Tom Ford tuxedos for No Time To Die.With never-before-seen sketches, insights from costume and fashion designers, and a treasure trove of archival material, James Bond Style stands as a compendium for Bond fans, but will amaze fashion enthusiasts alike. It doesn’t just document Bond’s influence; it cements his place as the ultimate arbiter of cool.
‘LAS VEGAS MAGIC’
While James Bond Style chronicles the cinematic sartorial legacy of 007, Las Vegas Magic explores the audacious glamour of its namesake city: Born from the dreams of risk-takers, Vegas has long evolved into a destination where almost anything seems possible, from hockey games to impromptu weddings right in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
The 288 pages book captures the city’s multifaceted charm through stunning visuals, spanning the Rat Pack era to modern marvels like the Sphere and Formula 1 on the Strip – and, while depicting Vegas’ sparkling side from fine dining to cutting-edge technology, casually proves how Assouline managed to redefine modern coffee table books.
‘James Bond Style’ and ‘Las Vegas Magic’ by Assouline, alongside more hand-picked books by the luxury book publisher, are available at BSTN: Pick up your favorites via the button below.
