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They feature a suave lead character, caricature villains and flashy action scenes, so it’s no surprise the James Bond movies, based on the novels by Ian Fleming, captured the imagination of the world. But often the boys-and-their-toys shenanigans were outclassed by those classic Bond girls, with their sultry, sophisticated – and deadly – style.
With the 25th Bond movie set to premiere in April 2020, you have to wonder in this era of Me Too, how the new crop of Bond girls – Lea Seydoux’s Dr. Madeleine Swann, Naomie Harris’s Moneypenny and Lashana Lynch and Ana de Armas – will stack up against legends of the past such as Jinx, Pussy Galore and Honey Ryder.
But in the meantime, ditch the political correctness and enjoy a look back at the Bond girls whose striking style matched their iconic characters. It’s perfect if you need some ideas for a James Bond dress-up party, a list of our favourite Bond girl costumes.
13. Domino Derval
Was she called Domino because all the men fell at her feet? Or because of her preference for black and white? Either way, this Bond girl, played by Claudine Auger in the film Thunderball (1985), sure makes an impression.
Achieve the look today:
CROSS OVER BIKINI TOP $129.95 jets.com.au
HIPSTER BOTTOM $79.95 jets.com.au
12. May Day
You can’t get cooler than 80s singer Grace Jones, who, as bodyguard-to-a-villain May Day, had her way with Roger Moore’s Bond in the 1985 movie A View to a Kill. Her killer look in the film is a favourite James Bond style, with Grace calling on designer pal Azzedine Alaia to chip in with the Bond Girl costumes.
Achieve the look today:
DOROTHY PERKINS Daisy Wide Fit Slingback Courts $65.00 theiconic.com.au
Monroe Hooded Jacket AU$241.92 freepeople.com
Florence Coated Jean AUD $119.95 witchery.com.au
11. Miss Taro
Another sexy bad girl, Miss Taro (Zena Marshall), from Dr. No (1962), has a way with a cheongsam. And lately Chinese silk has been a major inspiration for mainstream fashion brands, who are incorporating the theme in a range of clothing.
Achieve the look today:
Satin Jacquard Cami Dress $25.95 au.shein.com
Hand crafted Japanese kimono fabric coin purse $17.99 ebay.com.au
10. Anya Amasova
From Russia with Love – oh wait, wrong Bond movie. But KGB agent Anya (Barbara Bach) is a Bond girl on a mission in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, and a stylishly dressed one, at that.
Achieve the look today:
9. Christmas Jones
Hot enough to set off an atomic bomb is Denise Richards’ nuclear physicist, Dr. Christmas Jones (The World Is Not Enough, 1999), even though it’s hard to believe that work uniform, what little there is of it, would pass health and safety. An ode to Lara Croft, perhaps? As Denise’s ex Charlie Sheen would say, Winning!
Achieve the look today:
Bianca Midi Crop Top $12.00 supre.com.au
Timberland 6″ Premium Waterproof Boots $169.99 footlocker.com
Solardo Safari Shorts Black $89.95 beginningboutique.com.au
8. Sylvia Trench
It may have been the first Bond movie, but 1962’s Dr. No was responsible for many iconic Bond Girl looks, and one of them was Bond’s first ever love interest, Sylvia Trench. Played by Eunice Gayson, she was responsible for 007’s iconic catchphrase, introducing herself with “Trench. Sylvia Trench. I admire your luck, Mr…” to which he returned “Bond. James Bond.” Having made quite the impression, Eunice Gayson also appeared in From Russia With Love (1963), a rare thing for a Bond girl to appear in more than one movie.
Achieve the look today:
Emma One Shoulder Dress by Atmos&Here $99.95 theiconic.com.au
Tornaydo heels from Nine West $159.95 theiconic.com.au
7. Pam Bouvier
In 1989’s Licence to Kill, Timothy Dalton’s Bond takes a leap of faith on ex-army pilot Pam Bouvier (Carey Lowell) and why wouldn’t he be impressed by all this kick-ass glamour?
Achieve the look today:
Not All That Glitters Maxi Dress Navy $89 Hello Molly
6. Wai Lin
The Sporty Spice of the Bond girl world, martial arts-trained Wai Lin (Michelle Yeoh) manages to save her country and rise hell, even while spending a good portion of Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) handcuffed to Pierce Brosnan’s Bond.
Achieve the look today:
Corduroy Crest Rucker Jacket from Tommy Jeans theiconic.com.au $174.50 (on sale from $349)
ASOS DESIGN t-shirt in boyfriend fit with rolled sleeve and curved hem in white asos.com $24
SBRN Military Jogger Pants – Black $39 target.com.au
Stan smith shoes $130 adidas.com.au
5. Pussy Galore
Not only does she have the most risqué Bond girl character name ever, Pussy Galore also makes a stylish statement in a sexy suit. Honor Blackman took on the role of for 1964’s Goldfinger. So pouf up the hair and raid the boy’s wardrobe for this Bond girl costume, or put one together, like this:
Achieve the look today:
Atmos&Here Mali Tailored Blazer $79.95 theiconic.com.au
Waistcoat $79.95 shop.mango.com
Basque Slim Leg Essential Work Pant $79.95 myer.com.au
Verali Harold Black Smooth pump $79.95 myer.com.au
4. Jinx
Another classic Bond girl bikini, Halle Berry’s NSA operative Jinx (Die Another Day, 2002) is just stunning in her bright orange two piece, inspired by that of Honey Ryder in Dr. No.
Achieve the look today:
Onia x We Wore What Emily Bikini Bottoms $95 shopbop.com
Orange Mix & Match Triangle bikini top $12.00 prettylittlething.com.au
3. Camille Montes
Effortlessly stylish and yet practical for a spot of high action, Camille Montes’ LBD is one of the iconic James Bond-style dresses. The Bolivian secret agent (as played by Olga Kurylenko) in Quantum of Solace (2008) carries off the look with as much swagger as her Bond, Daniel Craig.
Achieve the look today:
Bec & Bridge Ze’bre Midi Dress $320.00 theiconic.com.au
CALVIN KLEIN classic high-heel pumps $191 farfetch.com
2. Solange Dimitrios
The 1967 version of Casino Royale was strange, the 2006 version featuring Daniel Craig was much slicker. It also showcased romantic interest Solange (played by the delicious Caterina Murino), who was as impressive flaunting her assets in this signature red gown, or horse-riding down the beach in a bikini, for Bond’s eyes only.
Achieve the look today:
COLLECTION Paris Flap Over Clutch Bag $29.96 myer.com.au
VISION OF LOVE COWL DRESS $300 becandbridge.com.au
1. Honey Ryder
There is no question the most iconic Bond girl scene is that of Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) exiting the water in THAT bikini, shells in hand, singing “Underneath the Mango Tree”, in the first 007 movie, 1962’s Dr. No. White hot!
Achieve the look today:
Zulu Bikini Top White $54.95 whitefoxboutique.com
Charlie Holiday Expedition Rib High Waist Bikini Bottoms $54.00 shopbop.com
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