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.

REMEMBERING COURREGES

A few days before David Bowie passed away (January, 2016), we lost another great artist with a knack for futuristic thinking, Andre Courreges (1923-2016). It was odd that, while I contemplated the French designer of the famous Moon Girl look from the 1960s, we should then also lose the great interpreter of the future in Bowie. We also lost Beatles producer George Martin. It was a tough year for Spy Vibers. Designer Andre Courreges rose up as a young talent in Balenciaga in the 1950s and opened his own salon at the dawn of the decade in 1961. He shared credit with Mary Quant for creating the mini skirt, and by 1964, established his space-inspired collections of white plastic boots, stiff helmets, joke glasses (some inspired by traditional Inuit designs), and playful slim outfits sporting cut-outs and Op Art elements. He even designed a prototype Bubble car, which later spawned a new electric model. His vision of combining synthetic materials, metals, white, and silver- and working with young models of the era- helped to define the androgynous Space Age look of the 1960s. Where would be without the mini and his white go-go boots? About her husband, Couqueline Courreges said, "He saw with eyes of his generation- it was a time of missiles to the moon." Artist Andy Warhol said, "His clothes are so beautiful, everyone should look the same, dressed in silver." Courreges was 92. Some gems below: Dali in Courreges glasses, fashion show reversals, and the designer at home in his futuristic apartment (image source: Getty). Learn more at The Guardian. Shop for vintage outfits here. Additional note: Spy Vibers may also remember designer John Bates helped champion the mini skirt before it became mainstream by dressing Diana Rigg's character Emma Peel in a mini in The Avengers. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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.

SIXTIES MOONGIRLS

Spy Vibe's vintage TV spy book contest ends tomorrow (Dec 16th)! Go to contest details and please enter to win free prizes! Spy Vibers, I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the semester. As my students go on break, I'm psyched to finally have some extra time to spend with you here in the Spy Vibe lair and to work on projects. There's a new 1970s/1980s-related project in the works- more on that later. But if you are interested in that era, you might enjoy a smaller blog I created called Atari Days. In other news, I'm still slowly working on a Spy Vibe coffee table book for Hermes Press, and my spy novel MIKI ZERO is making the rounds with agents. I'm actively looking for a publisher for Miki. Although Spy Vibe gets a lot of hits every day (our total visits are nearing 2 million), I'd like to see the story reach a wider audience through the help of a traditional publishing house. Please let me know if any of you Spy Vibers out there have someone on mind who might be interested. Today I thought we'd take a brief look back at one of my favorite topics- Moon Girls! Fashion for women in the 1960s embraced the playful and experimental attitudes of the times. Yves Saint Laurent's Mondrian dress and the mini skirt popularized by Andre Courreges and Mary Quant were stand-out creations. In 1964, the year Beatlemania really hit on the global level, Andre Courreges' fascination with the Space Age resulted in a fabulous line of clothes inspired by NASA's white and silver. He launched his 'Moon Girl' Collection, which included high skirts and dresses with geometric patterns and cut-outs, space-like helmets, and mid-shin PVC boots. With all those cosmic rays, it was clear we were going to need some protective, synthetic materials, helmets, and visors! Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, Rudi Gernreich, and others followed with their own Futuristic lines. The movement had a great effect on costume design in a number of iconic 1960s films, including The 10th Victim (Elio Petri/1965- I contributed the Gallery Feature on the Blu-ray), Barbarella (Vadim/1968), and Moon Zero Two (Baker/1969). Here a few favorite examples of Moon Girl fashion. Enjoy! Related posts: Courreges RIP,  Trina Robbins interview, Catsuits, Black and White Friday, Tokyo Beat 1964, Space Fashion, Lestoil, Star Warps, Sylvia Anderson Fashion, Ikarie XB1, Fear and Fashion, Mods to Moongirls, Star Trek 50th, Mod Japan, Peeling Off the Trench Coats, Mad For Mondrian, Dressed For Space, Designer Gene Winfield, Braun Design, Honor Blackman at 90, Diana Rigg motor Show, Avengers Pop Interview, Cold War Lairs, The Curious Camera, Elsa Martinelli Autodromo, Logan's Run, Interview: Making Casino Royale 1968, Fortunatato vs. Panton, Set For Adventure, Barbarella Returns, Mod Target, Interview: Mod Tales, Interview: Mod Tales 2.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Avengers Comic Strips, SPY VIBE Contest, 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 Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, John Buss interview, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.