The best of the Bond Girls

Cinema’s most charming spy, James Bond, has had many love interests through his 50-year career, but just some of the so-called Bond Girls have passed the test. While we wait to see the stylistic choices the production will make for Monica Bellucci, interpreting the role of Bond Girl in the next 007 movie Spectre, we take a look back at some of the most relevant fashion moments in its history.

Honey Rider – Ursula Andrews, Dr No (1962)

The very first of an endless list of Bond Girls also managed to remain one of the most iconic through the years. The moment when she steps out of the Caribbean sea with wet hair and bronzed skin, wearing only a white bikini with a sharp knife at her side, is still one of the most unforgettable in 007 movies’ history.

Lethal and sexy, Honey Rider wore perfect smoky feline make-up and nude lips, in line with the taste of the 60s. 

Jill Masterson – Shirley Eaton, Goldfinger (1964)

Another extremely cinematic and memorable moment in the movie franchise was surely marked by the beautiful death of Jill Masterson.

Even though English actress Shirley Eaton was barely dressed in the most of the movie, everyone will remember her lying face down on the bed, completely naked and covered in gold paint.

Solitaire – Jane Seymour, Live and Let Die (1973)

Jane Seymour interpreted an unusual Bond Girl, playing the role of a psychic tarot card reader working for Bond’s enemy, but she defined some of the highest moments in 007’s fashion.

Wearing a signature gold eyeshadow and always showcasing the chicest of the hairstyles, Solitaire represents a kinky character with a glorious style made of colorful and richly embroidered maxi dresses, various ethnic style embellishment and tonnes of jewellery. Between the many we remember the red velvet dress adorned with beads and sequin appliqués, the plunge neck gown in red and gold and the blue maxi kaftan with deep embellished V-neck.

Xenia Onatopp – Famke Janssen, Goldeneye (1995)

Dutch actress Famke Janssen perfectly portrayed the ultimate femme fatale by interpreting the extremely sensual and elegant former Soviet pilot Xenia Onatopp. She even used sexuality to kill her male victims by squeezing them out with her bone-crushing thighs after they fell for her.  

With her smoky eyes and red lips, she brought gothic chic to a whole new level of classiness and mastered the art of total black, with her laced-up dress and long gloves.

Vesper Lynd – Eva Green, Casino Royale (2006)

When Casino Royale came out many have claimed Eva Green playing the part of Vesper Lynd was the ultimate Bond Girl. Flawless, sophisticated, seductive, enigmatic and clever, she is a complex character and the only female one that Ian Fleming wrote to stand up between all the others.

In addition to the relevance of her character, Vesper also showcases a fantastic taste and a timeless wardrobe: ladylike and classy, yet very seductive. Outfits included a purple backless Roberto Cavalli dress with plunge neck, a black gown by Versace and a cream suit with high-waisted black belt.

Francesca Milano