From Set and Screen to Living Room

For those of you in New York City and surrounds, hope you can attend a fun lecture "From Set and Screen to Living Room: The Set Decorator and the Interior Designer" at the D&D Building, 979 Third Avenue, Astra Cafe, 14th Floor on Wednesday, October 10th at 3:00. I will be on a panel discussion with Lydia Marks of Marks & Frantz and set decorator on Sex and the City and designer Marshall Watson (his line at Lewis Mittman has graced the sets of the new Katie Couric show). Ann Maine, editor in chief of Traditional Home, will be the moderator. 

Mark's interiors on the film Sex and the City 2 

A reception and book signing of Designs on Film will follow at the Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman showroom, suite 903. You can RSVP at 212-888-8580. And win a chance to attend a Katie show up close and personal. Hope to see you there!

And a big congrats to Sally Sirkin Lewis as she celebrates the 40th anniversary of J. Robert Scott. Bravo!!!

Photo Credits: J Robert Scott, Traditional Home, Warner Brothers

Stylish Sets, Bond Style

It is hard to fathom this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the James Bond film, one of the most iconic and successful franchises in movie history.

Six 007's and 23 films later, the style of James Bond endures. While a Bond film is all about the girls, guns and gadgets, the designs often take center stage. And just like the gin and vermouth in a shaken not stirred martini, a Bond film will always feature a villain and his stylish lair.

The legendary production designer Sir Ken Adam (who set the tone of the genre), Syd Cain, Peter Lamont and Dennis Gassner were responsible for designing the worlds of good versus evil that included everything from underground grottoes and an ice palace to sleek high tech headquarters for world domination.

The Ice Palace in Die Another Day

Moonraker above and below

Casino Royale

For a tour of some of the most memorable sets of  half a century, see my Architectural Digest article The Best Sets From James Bond Movies here.

For those who live in NYC (or happen to be visiting), be sure and check out the Museum of Modern Art's 50 Years of James Bond exhibition. If you missed the extraordinary Designing 007- Fifty Years of Bond Style in London, you have a second chance to catch it in Toronto October 26th to January 20, 2013. And if that is not enough Bond for your liking, own a piece of memorabilia at the Christie's auction 50 Years of James Bond: The Auction. A few goodies include the Prada dress from Quantum of Solace worn by Olga Kurylenko (a mere 2500-3500 pounds) or the Tom Ford sunglasses worn by present day Bond Daniel Craig.

In the meantime,  get ready for the latest bond installment Skyfall, out in theaters November 9th. Joining Craig will be Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes and the legend continues. 

Photo Credits: Danjag, Eon, Sony/Columbia