‘It really has been a work of love,’ Skyfall costume designer Jany Temime told ELLE at the royal premiere of the new Bond film last night.
It's a sentiment that was echoed by each member of the cast and crew as they made their way up the red carpet at the Albert Hall in London. Daniel Craig, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw were all in attendance. ‘This is the time to celebrate everyone’s hard work, so it feels wonderful. There's a lot of love in the air,’ said Whishaw, who reprises the role of gadget-master Q in the film.
On the red carpet Marios Schwab, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and Tom Ford were represented. But during filming it was the job of Temime to keep the actors looking the part.
What was the starting point for the incredible mesh and crystal-encrusted gown worn by Bond girl Marlohe? ‘It was the idea that she was from Shanghai and is a very, very naughty girl. When I saw Berenice’s shape I just thought, "I have to accentuate that!" She has an old femme fatale glamour and a faultless body, [so] why not use it?’
As for Daniel Craig’s costumes, they were a collaboration with Tom Ford. ‘Tom was fantastic and so were the costumes he made: the quality, the fabric. They were indestructible,’ said Temime. ‘I wanted Bond to be what he is: an English gentleman, but an updated version. I wanted you to forget the suit and just remember the man wearing it. I mean the trousers were so perfectly made and so tight on the legs, you can see the muscle on his thighs when he is running – which is good!’
We have to agree: there was much talk of Daniel Craig’s thighs on the red carpet. Bardem, who plays the film’s villain Silva, confirmed their firmness and Craig revealed he has been going to the gym every day and doing yoga to keep himself in perfect condition.
Bond girl Naomie Harris also underwent a lot of physical preparation for her role. ‘I had a trainer who took me out for two months before we started filming and I was on the gun range three times a week and was also doing stunt driving,’ she told ELLE. ‘What was also really useful to me was interviewing a former MI6 agent.’
So is this the best Bond ever? ‘I’m just incredibly proud, the film is for the audience. We just tried to make the best movie would could for these guys,’ said Craig, indicating the crowds of screaming fans.
By all accounts everyone’s hard work has paid off.

Read ELLE's review of Skyfall

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