A James Bond suit displayed on a Sean Connery waxwork next to an Aston Martin DB5 (Photo : Unknown)

James Bond celebrates 50 years of hitting the screen with a "bond film style legacy" exhibition to be held in London.

When one talks about style and sophistication, James Bond  is first among equals. The character has been an epitome of fashion and style from the moment he was created. To mark 50 years of success, a "bond film style legacy" exhibition will be held in London starting today.

"Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style" opens at London's Barbican Centre on Friday and traces the importance of fashion and design in the 22 official Bond movies released so far.

"I think it is an aspect that is sometimes overlooked, and the show points out how influential Bond's style and design has been through the decades," said Neil McConnon of the arts division of Barbican International Enterprises.

He worked alongside co-curators Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming to put together the exhibition, which will tour internationally over the next three years, underlining the movies' global appeal.

"I really do think the film franchise has been ahead of its time."

As well as influencing the cut of men's suits and whetting viewers' appetites for vintage sport cars, Bond also opened up the world with his globe-trotting, death-defying exploits.

"The influence can also be seen in terms of tourism," said McConnon. "Bond's exotic locations have inspired people to travel and explore."

On display are dozens of original costumes, props, set designs, dresses and other Bond paraphernalia, and, thanks to the agreement of EON Productions which makes the movies, there are film clips and audio to illustrate the exhibits in action.

Bond himself is seen as the epitome of sophisticated yet understated style - tailored suits and tuxedos or less formal polo shirts.

"Bond girls" are known for everything from bikinis to shimmering ball gowns, while villains adopt the severe look by buttoning up their jackets to the neck.

The white bikini worn by Ursula Andress emerging from the sea in "Dr. No", one of cinema's most celebrated scenes, has been loaned by Planet Hollywood International to hang alongside the one worn by Halle Berry in "Die Another Day".

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