Sunspel recreates Sean Connery’s James Bond shorts for Barbican exhibition

Working on the new Barbican exhibition Designing 007 – Fifty years of Bond style, costume designer Lindy Hemming approached Sunspel to recreate the shorts that evoke the early Bond films.

The shorts form part of a then and now element of the exhibition including the swimming shorts worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale alongside Sean Connery’s shorts (produced by Sunspel).

With over 150 years experience of perfecting men’s basics and in particular boxer shorts (Sunspel introduced the boxer to the UK in 1947) Sunspel were the natural partner for this project. Made in England at the Long Eaton factory in the signature pale blue cotton, the shorts are a faithful representation of the feel of the original Bond films.

Sunspel’s story with James Bond began in 2006 when Lindy Hemming commissioned the English heritage label to create pieces for Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.

Hemming has a long-standing relationship with the brand having worked together on film & theatre since her days with the RSC and National Theatre in London. When working on Casino Royale Hemming once again turned to Sunspel. As Sunspel still own and operate their own factory in Long Eaton in the north of England they were able to design and create a bespoke polo and T shirt for the film. The Daniel Craig block still exists and is used to make the now famous Riviera Polo.

Designing 007 - Fifty Years of Bond Style opens at the Barbican Centre, London on the 6th July and runs until 5th September. Visit www.barbican.org.uk/bond for further details and to book tickets.