James Bond stars join exhibition curators and dignitaries for the launch of ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’Exhibition runs from November 14, 2016 until February 13, 2017
Dubai, UAE; November 13; 2016: ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ exhibition officially opened today at Burj Khalifa ANNEX at a press event attended by stars, exhibition curators, VIPs and dignitaries.
Marking over 50 years of the Bond franchise, the event was fronted by a star-studded panel, which included Caterina Murino – who played the leading lady in Casino Royale; Irka Bochenko – The Blonde Beauty in Moonraker; and Tonia Sotiropoulou – who starred in Skyfall; alongside EON Archive Director, Meg Simmonds; and guest curator, Bronwyn Cosgrave. They took an in-depth look at the craft behind creating a multi-billion-dollar franchise and the difficult process of selecting the very best props, costumes and memorabilia for the exhibition, from the extensive archive.
Irka Bochenko, Bond Girl, Moonraker commented on the exhibition: “Launching this fantastic exhibition in the incredible city of Dubai – which I have come to cherish throughout my many visits – is a beautiful way to celebrate the invincible agent, 007. It’s a privilege to be part of the ‘Bond’ family and I’m honoured to be in Dubai to attend the event launch of the celebrations at Burj Khalifa. Welcome to Dubai Mr. Bond!”
‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ is expertly curated to highlight the craft behind the cinema icon – James Bond – focusing on its distinctly British luxuriance. Presenting the design and style of the, now, more than half-century old franchise, ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ unveils the craft behind the sets, the music, gadgets, vehicles, technology and fashion – in a showcase never seen before in the Middle East. On showcase are items including Scaramanga’s Golden Gun from The Man with the Golden Gun and Daniel Craig’s wardrobe from Casino Royale, the Spectre Aston Martin DB10 and more.
Ahmad Al Falasi, Executive Director – Group Operations, Emaar Properties, said: “Designing 007 is shaking up the Dubai entertainment landscape, as the latest international high-profile event and another first for the Middle East. Dubai is an ideal host for the exhibition, offering a distinct synergy for design masterpieces, and a unique level of excitement that Burj Khalifa and James Bond evoke. Over the next three months, visitors to Downtown Dubai can revel in all things ‘Bond’ in a series of exciting showcases.”
Since its successful debut at the Barbican Centre, London, in 2012, ‘Designing 007’ has been exhibited in Toronto, Shanghai, Melbourne, Moscow, Rotterdam, Madrid, Mexico City and Paris.
Neil McConnon, Head of Barbican International Enterprises, Barbican Centre, said: “Barbican Centre is delighted to have the opportunity to bring ‘Designing 007’ to Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Dubai’s dynamism, glamour and energy are in many ways the perfect setting for Bond. We hope the audience here will enjoy taking a journey through the craftsmanship and artistry that have made Bond so enduring.”
The ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ exhibition is staged in Dubai by Colina Capital and Koutoulou Art+Events, in association with Emaar; it is brought to you by Visa in association with OSN.
Ibrahim Selim Ergoz, Country Manager, Visa – UAE, Qatar and Pakistan, said: “James Bond is perhaps the most iconic movie franchise of all time and many of the exhibits on display will be instantly recognisable to visitors. Our association with the franchise stretches back to the Pierce Brosnan era and connects Visa’s innovation with Bond’s iconic gadgets. Throughout the exhibition’s run, Visa cardholders will be able to enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets, giving them unrivalled access to what is sure to be a must see attraction in Dubai.”
Emad Morcos, Chief Content Officer at OSN, said: “As the region’s leading pay-TV network, OSN not only brings the latest Bond movies straight into homes before anyone else in the Middle East, but by offering an exclusive and dedicated Bond channel, we truly set ourselves apart from the competition. The new OSN Movies HD 007, is a 7-week Bond spectacular, marking the first time in the region that all 24 blockbuster movies will appear together, on one channel, and all in stunning High Definition. The lineup of timeless classics will give fans across the region the chance to binge-watch their favourite Bond films back-to-back, anywhere, any time and on any device.”
Tickets for ‘Designing 007’ are now available at www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/jamesbond with special packages which include At the Top, Burj Khalifa access, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo entry, or Reel Cinemas James Bond screening tickets also available. The exhibition runs from November 14, 2016 until February 13, 2017.