COLD WAR DESIGN EVENT

Event alert: Cold War design curator, Jane Pavitt, scheduled to speak on October 17th. Clear your calendars, Spy Vibers! Jane Pavitt's name rings out as the major scholar in the field of Cold War design and fashion. Her work with the V&A to examine art and design from the era, including the major exhibits and books, Cold War Modern: Design 1945-70 and Fear and Fashion in the Cold War, has been a cornerstone in my own research into how technology, world events, and culture came together to reflect and define the 1960s. She will be speaking at the National Archives in south London on October 17th from 7:30-9:00. From the press release: "In 1946, the Parisian designer Louis Reart named a two-piece swimsuit after a nuclear test site - 'Bikini'. Nearly 20 years later, fashion designers Andre Courreges and Pierre Cardin created a 'space age look' with plastic dresses, silver boots, visors and helmets, The conditions of the Cold War - from nuclear anxiety to technological optimism - infiltrated fashion and design in numerous ways in the period. This talk will explore how Cold War attitudes shaped the body, home and environment. Jane Pavitt is Professor of Design and Architectural History at Kingston University. In 2008 she co-curated the V&A exhibition 'Cold War Modern: Design 1945-70, and co-authored the book at the same time. Jane is also the author of 'Fear and Fashion in the Cold War' (V&A 2008), and has published books on art and design in the post-war world." Don't miss it! Evening events at the Archives are wonderfully organized, with insightful conversation- and access to their great bookshop! Guests can also see the current Cold War exhibit about espionage (I have sone photos to post soon). More info at The National Archives. Enjoy! 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, Spy Vibe Radio: Fantomas, George Day, Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

MARY QUANT EXHIBIT

If 1960s fashion is your bag (baby), make sure to stop by London's V&A museum this year to check out their major exhibit celebrating the work of designer Mary Quant. Dame Mary pioneered and popularized the mini skirt, which came to symbolize the youthful, on-the-go attitudes in the early 60s.  Revolutionary in hindsight, Dame Mary has described her process, and I think this can apply to artists working any media, as a focussed labor of love on the projects: "It was a wonderfully exciting time and despite the frenetic, hard work we had enormous fun. We didn’t necessarily realise that what we were creating was pioneering, we were simply too busy relishing all the opportunities and embracing the results before rushing on to the next challenge! Friends have been extremely generous in loaning, and in many cases, donating garments and accessories to the V&A which they have lovingly cherished for many years, so it will be fascinating to see what else will emerge! I am enormously grateful to have been involved with so many talented people whose contribution to that ground-breaking, revolutionary and memorable era will also be recognised.” Hear that, social media-era artists? The trick is to create, create, create, and make the work the focus. And I'm so pleased to see Dame Mary getting this special exhibit. From the V&A press release: "Today, the V&A announces that it has been given unprecedented access to Dame Mary Quant’s Archive to curate the first international retrospective on the revolutionary fashion designer in nearly 50 years. Opening in April 2019, the exhibition will focus on the years between 1955 and 1975, when Quant revolutionised the high street with her subversive and playful designs for a younger generation, from hot pants, miniskirts and trousers for women to accessories, tights and make-up. The exhibition will bring together over 200 objects, the majority of which have never been on public display. It will reveal the real stories behind the myths to explore how Quant democratised fashion and empowered women through her determination, ingenuity and unique personal style, which she exported around the world. The exhibition will be drawn from the V&A’s extensive fashion holdings, which includes the largest collection of Mary Quant garments in the world, as well as the designer’s personal archive and important international loans. Jenny Lister, curator of Mary Quant at the V&A, said: “Mary Quant liberated fashion in the late 1950s and early 60s. Known for establishing high street fashion, inventing hot pants and popularising the miniskirt, she freed women from rules and regulations, and from dressing like their mothers. This long-overdue exhibition will show how Mary made high fashion affordable for working women, and how her youthful, revolutionary clothes, inspired by London, made British streetstyle the global influence it remains today.” The exhibition runs from 6 April 2019 – 8 March 2020. Don't miss it! More info at V&A and Mary Quant. Images below: Dame Mary in the 1960s (at work and with Vidal Sassoon). In other news, I have a new book out (over 700 pages!) about one of America's legendary cartoonists. Check it out! Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

ALICE BOOTS 1966

Greetings Spy Vibers! I've just returned from the UK, where I spent a month traveling with friends to see special events, classic filming locations, and exhibits. Some highlights included chatting with Bond screenwriter Robert Wade, stuntmen Paul Weston and Ray Austin, and with pop culture scholars Andrew Pixley, Mike Richardson, and Alan Hayes.  I have much to share with you! My teaching schedule picks up in a couple of weeks, but I will make sure to start posting photographs and  observations from my mission. One image that crossed my radar today really resonated with something I've been thinking about for quite a while. I've always found it interesting to see how Victorian and Edwardian styles became a major ingredient to mid-1960s pop culture. The popularity of Art Nouveau posters, Edwardian fashions, stories based on early-century ideas like Fantomas, Judex, and London's The Assassination Bureau (starring Diana Rigg), the continued interest in Jules Verne and H.G. Welles, and the costume designs for John Steed (The Avengers), Adam Adamant (Adam Adamant Lives!), and Doctor Who are just a few examples. We also saw many adaptations of Lewis Carroll (at least 6 filmed versions of Alice during the decade) and a direct influence of his Wonderland stories on the works of John Lennon and the new surrealists. The Wind in the Willows also impacted new artists, most notably Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd). Just as society seemed fixated on the Space Race and ultra-modernism, it is interesting to note how people looked back often enough for this revival to gain traction in the culture. One event of note that captured the zeitgeist of this wave was the opening of a major exhibition of Aubrey Beardsley at the V&A museum in 1966. And through exploring that exhibit, I found this image to share with you today. Designer Paul Christodoulou created a pastiche of Beardsley imagery in this 1966 advertisement for "Alice Boots" by T. Elliot & Sons, London. According to the V&A, the piece included "elements from Beardsley's illustrations to 'The Wonderful History of Vergilius the the Sorcerer', 'Salome' including 'The Stomach Dance', 'The Woman in the Moon', 'Enter Herodias', 'The Eyes of Herod', 'The Toilette', and the title-page; 'Lysistrata haranguing the Athenian Women', 'Messalina returning from the Bath', 'Neophyte, and... the Black Art', 'The Kiss of Judas', 'Sganarelle and the Beggar'; The Pall Mall Magazine, cover designs for 'The Yellow Book', Vols I and IV and a self portrait." I love how the poster wraps up 1960s fashion and Art Nouveau-chic into one stylish time capsule. More info here. Enjoy! Related posts: Edward Gorey's 1960s, Satire/Surrealism Boom, The Prisoner Fallout & Surrealism, Peter Sellers to John Lennon. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art.

60S OVERDRIVE

Ever since Spy Vibe reported that a new print of the film Tonight Let's All Make Love in London was being screened at the Royal Albert Hall my mind has been in overdrive, as it were, thinking about the shifts in culture around 1966-67. The Beatles pushed rock music into new territory through their experiments on Rubber Soul, Revolver, and on their groundbreaking studio masterpiece, Sgt. Pepper's  Lonely Hearts Club Band. Batman led a wave of Pop Art and camp on television, and the patriotic adventures of the Spy Boom began to expand into the counterculture. Revolution and mistrust were high (no pun intended) in the point of view of projects such as The Prisoner, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, Head, and Danger Diabolik. The focus of the youth movement became more concerned with freedom, peace, pleasure, and consciousness. It's interesting that Pink Floyd, another EMI band, spoke about making music that was intended to be experienced, rather than enjoyed simply for melody. I like this Pink Floyd footage below, which was used on Granada television and featured their track Interstellar Overdrive (Doctor Strange movie fans might recognize the tune). I can't wait to see more footage once Tonight Let's All Make Love in London is released on Blu-ray. People were pushing into new territory in the final years of the sixties. Paul McCartney once summed up "psychedelic" as a word used by people to describe new things they didn't understand- an explanation that was repeated in the Granada piece below. Sean Lennon and Les Claypool have been keeping the eternal flame of experimentation and psychedelic music alive and they recently covered Pink Floyd's Astronomy Domine on their Record Store Day EP, along with covers of King Crimson, The Who, and others. See video below. If Spy Vibers are interested in exploring the early Pink Floyd, check out the new CD series The Early Years 1965-1972. Casual fans can pick up individual volumes, each containing rare recordings and film/video, but there is also a massive set for serious fans and collectors. More info at Pink Floyd. The V&A in London also just launched a new immersive exhibit called Their Mortal Remains, which looks amazing. I can't wait to see the show and check out artifacts from the band's 1960s era. More info at V&A. I was never a huge Pink Floyd fan growing up; I often found their music music a bit too jammy and depressing. But I must say I quite enjoy the early era with Syd Barrett. Does anyone else hear strains of Piper at the Gates of Dawn in Blur's Britpop albums? Fun stuff all around! By the way, stay tuned for cool Beatles news!  Spy Vibers, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #3 is coming up and I'll be talking about On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim). Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Fahrenheit 451 50th, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art.