ROGER VIVIER

French fashion designer Roger Vivier (1903-1998) is best remembered as a great innovator who specialized in shoes. His most famous design was the stiletto heel, which may be one of the most enduring concepts in the field. He designed for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, The Beatles, and Queen Elizabeth II. One of his earliest ideas (in 1945) had a distinctively 1960s vibe: clear plastic ankle boots! Vivier worked for Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent when the fashion houses launched their footwear divisions. His most memorable 60s works was with YSL, which included the 1965 Pilgrim Pump (featured prominently by actress Catherine Deneuve's in Luis Buñuel's  Belle de Jour in 1967 and with the Mondrian dress on the cover of Vogue/photo David Bailey), and the return of the  transparent boots in 1966. My favorite of their collaborations, however, was this outfit from 1963, which featured long boots (apologies to the crocodiles), leather or tweed square smock with high collar, and visored helmet. The ensemble suggests Honor Blackman and Patrick Macnee's record, Kinky Boots, which reflected in 1964 how the style had caught on like wildfire: "It's a manly kind of fashion that you borrowed from the brutes." South-African born model Enid Boulting looks like she could have been Emma Peel's co-Avenger, or perhaps "filling out a ticket in her little black book." Speaking of Beatles references, Enid was married to director Roy Boulting, who made The Family Way (1966) with score by Paul McCartney. In other news, my episodes of the Cocktail Nation radio show are now live: Episode #1(Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint). Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe Radio 4, 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

M SPYMASTER

Event alert: Go behind the scenes and learn more about the man reputed to be one of the inspirations for Ian Fleming's "M". Author Henry Hemming will be doing a presentation at the British Library in London on July 11th called M, Maxwell Knight, MI5's Greatest Spymaster. From the press release: "Maxwell Knight was a paradox. A jazz obsessive and a nature enthusiast, he is also seen today as one of MI5's greatest spymasters, a man who did more than any other to break up British fascism during the Second World War. He was known to his agents and colleagues simply as M, and was rumoured to be part of the inspiration for the character M in the James Bond series. Knight became a legendary spymaster despite an almost total lack of qualifications. What set him apart from his peers was a mercurial ability to transform almost anyone into a fearless secret agent. Drawing on declassified documents, private family archives and interviews with retired MI5 officers as well as the families of MI5 agents, Henry Hemming reveals not just the shadowy world of espionage but a brilliant, enigmatic man at its centre, who was the first in MI5 to grasp the potential of training female agents. Henry Hemming tells the gripping story of M, as well as providing a taste of what it was like to work for this great spymaster." Henry Hemming is the author of Churchill's Iceman (published in the US as The Ingenious Mr. Pyke), Misadventure in the Middle East, and In Search of the English Eccentric. He has written for the Economist, The Sunday Times, FT Magazine and the Washington Post, among many others. More details here. In other news, my episodes of the Cocktail Nation radio show are now live: Episode #1(Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint). And tune in to Cocktail Nation -the number on lounge music radio show- every week for cool soundtracks, swingin' jazz, news and more. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe Radio 4, 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

NETWORK SALE

Deal Alert: UK distributor Network is having their giant sale! Network is the Criterion Collection of cool British films and TV series and their titles are packed with rare content and special features. And now you order most titles for 45% off! They carry many classic 1960s ITC spy/adventure and Gerry Anderson shows. Some favorites from their catalog: The Prisoner Blu-ray (out of print in the States), Danger Man, Secret Agent, The Saint, The Champions, Department S, Jason King, The Baron, HG Welles' Invisible Man, Hell Drivers, All Night Long, Strange Report, Strange World of Gurney Slade, Corridor People, Supercar, Space 1999, Deadlier Than the Male, The Ipcress File, The Persuaders, The Protectors, The Secret Service, Captain Scarlet, Filmed in Supermarionation, The Saint Steps in... to Television, Return of the Sain, The Man Who Haunted Himself, League of Gentlemen, UFO, Robin Hood, William Tell, Lancelot, Mister Jerico. If that's not enough, you can also find comprehensive soundtrack CD box sets for many of these great shows, as well as soundtracks on vinyl! The new Blu-ray editions of Randall and Hopkirk and Department S are apparently outstanding. Get the picture? They carry everything you need for a Spy Vibe library. Note: you will need an all-region player to play UK DVDs and Blu-ray. The shipping to the States can sometimes add up if the weight is heavy (box sets!), so I actually save money by spreading my orders out to keep weight down. Sale ENDS June 30th at 3PM (UK). More info at Network. In other news, my episodes of the Cocktail Nation radio show are now live: Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint). And tune in to Cocktail Nation -the number on lounge music radio show- every week for cool soundtracks, swingin' jazz, news and more. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe Radio 4, 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

SPY VIBE RADIO 4

Spy Vibe's collaboration with Cocktail Nation continues this weekend with Episode 4- now live and streaming! Spy Vibe is featured in a segment every month, where I present a film, series, or personality and share a record or unusual recording from the Cold War era. This month I celebrate our recently fallen hero, Sir Roger Moore, and spin a rare Saint-related tune. Cocktail Nation radio link here (click PodBean link to listen). You can read my tribute to Roger Moore on Spy Vibe here. For more radio action, go to Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). And tune in to Cocktail Nation -the number on lounge music radio show- every week for cool soundtracks, swingin' jazz, news and more. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

DICK TRACY CASES

New release: The Sunday Press continues its mission to archive and celebrate our comic strip heritage with classic titles gloriously archived at their original print size. For their new edition they have turned to Chester Gould's detective strip, Dick Tracy! Tracy's world is filled with fast-pace action, grit, gadgets, and the most colorful rogue's gallery of villains. From the press release: "In the early 1930s, Chester Gould dramatically altered the comics landscape with a new style of gritty realism torn from Chicago's headlines. With this new kind of storytelling came a new way of coloring comics, a style as bold and vibrant as the stories themselves. Now for the first time, Sunday Press presents Dick Tracy in the original colors and full tabloid size-and just in time for Tracy's 85th birthday. This collection of Sunday newspaper comics from 1931 to 1939 features Gould's most infamous villains of the decade in four complete stories, plus forty more fabulous Sunday pages. Experience the adventures of the world's most famous comic strip detective just as they appeared more than three-quarters of a century ago." Oversized HC. More info at Amazon and Sunday Press. If you like Dick Tracy, check out the contemporary graphic novels by the maestro of macabre mystery, Richard Sala, at Fantagraphics Books (see our interviews and spotlight links below). In other news, my next episode on Cocktail Nation is coming up! In the meantime, you can hear Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). In each segment I do a short introduction to a film or TV series and share some classic (often rare) music. Don't miss the James Bond caption contest from Ian Fleming Publications (ends June 18th)! Related posts: Ralph Byrd is Dick Tracy, Dan Dunn, Violent Girls, Super-Enigmatix Interview, In a Glass Grotesquely, Adventures of Richard Sala Interview, Rogue's Galleries, Invisible Hands, The Hidden, Richard Sala Comics. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

BOND CAPTION CONTEST

Ian Fleming Publications is running a caption contest this week! To celebrate the release of the original James Bond comic strips by Titan Books, readers are invited to enter captions to a vintage strip drawn by the great John McLusky for The Express. Winners will receive copies of the Dr No and Goldfinger comic strip collections and cool 007 merchandise. Click the "naked" strip below to download a larger image. More info at IFP. In other news, my next episode on Cocktail Nation is coming up! In the meantime, you can hear Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). In each segment I do a short introduction to a film or TV series and share some classic (often rare) music. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 1960s Pop Models, 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

60S POP MODELS

Spy Vibers, are you redecorating your pad and lair right now? You might want to check out the newest image collection from our friend at Art & Hue. Odysseas Constantine has released nice duotone prints in the past featuring fan-favorites like The Avengers, Hammer Horror, Jet Age airports, Carry On films, Brit Noir, Mod hair styles, and Beat films. He's now added 1960s Models to the portfolio, which includes iconic figures such as Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Veruschka, and Peggy Moffitt. More info here and keep on swinging'! In other news, my next episode on Cocktail Nation is coming up! In the meantime, you can hear Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). In each segment I do a short introduction to a film or TV series and share some classic (often rare) music. Enjoy! Related posts: Jet Set Prints, Interview: Avengers Pop Art, Thunderbirds Are Pop, New Avengers Pop, Beat Film Pop.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.

BATMAN GALLANTS

The Batman theme by Neil Hefti quickly settled into the pop consciousness in the 1960s, spawning what would become decades of cover versions, references, and parodies. One gem from from the show's debut year 1966 was this tribute by The Gallants. The European sleeve design was pure Pop Art and really captured the show's sensibilities, as well as the current work by Andy Warhol and other artists. Released on Capital as a 7" 45 single, the singer cried out, "Oh Batman. We need you now!" In light of the recent news of Adam West's passing, it sounds more poignant than ever. My tribute to Adam West here. Related posts: Interview: Batman Celebration Book, Batman Anniversary, Interview: Batman Animated designer Shane Glines Interview, Interview: Ralph Garman and Ty Templeton, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Batman TV and Manga releases, Batman 66: The TV Stories Book, Batman in Swinging London, Julie Newmar, Batman 66 posters, Adam West Sings!, Adam West spy ad, Spy Vibe visits the Batcave, James Bond & Batman Robots, Andy Warhol Batman, Man From UNCLE & Batman Manga.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, Fahrenheit 451 50th, 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, 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.