James Bond films have always been known for their action, style, and undeniable charm. But beyond the gadgets and espionage, the franchise has consistently delivered unforgettable fashion moments—especially through its leading women. From daring gowns to tailored elegance, Bond girls have influenced style trends for over six decades.
Their wardrobes reflect not just cinematic glamour but also the evolving fashion ideals of each era. Let’s look at four iconic looks from Bond films and how they helped define the style of their time—starting with the most recent.
Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (2006)
Eva Green’s portrayal of Vesper Lynd introduced a new level of sophistication and emotional depth to the Bond franchise. Her deep purple evening gown in the casino scene became instantly iconic. Designed to exude elegance and strength, the dress featured a dramatic open back, structured draping, and subtle shimmer—perfectly framing Vesper as both mysterious and confident. The look captured the shift in early 2000s fashion towards minimalism with emotional impact. After the release of Casino Royale, similar silhouettes with bold backlines and rich jewel tones appeared across red carpets and luxury eveningwear collections. Vesper’s gown remains one of the most referenced Bond girl looks of the 21st century. It redefined what it meant to be powerful and feminine on screen.
Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye (1995)
Famke Janssen’s character Xenia Onatopp was bold, deadly, and dressed to kill—literally and figuratively. Her iconic black evening dress with structured shoulders and a high slit embodied 90s power dressing. The gown combined sharp tailoring with sensuality, reflecting the era’s fascination with femme fatales and fearless femininity. Fashion in the mid-90s was embracing minimalism with attitude, and Xenia’s wardrobe fit that mold perfectly. Designers like Thierry Mugler and Versace echoed similar aesthetics during the same period. Her on-screen fashion left a mark on how women’s formalwear could combine strength with allure. Xenia became the blueprint for dark glamour in the decade.
Octopussy in Octopussy (1983)
Played by Maud Adams, Octopussy was a rare Bond character who owned her narrative and her style. One of her most memorable looks was a flowing ivory sari-inspired gown paired with gold accessories. The outfit blended Eastern influence with 80s glam, reflecting growing Western fascination with exoticism and global fashion fusion. During this time, designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier were exploring cultural silhouettes in high fashion. Octopussy’s wardrobe helped normalize non-Western elements in eveningwear and contributed to the rise of draped, fluid silhouettes in the decade’s red-carpet styles. Her look was both regal and revolutionary.
Honey Ryder in Dr. No (1962)
No discussion of Bond girl fashion is complete without the iconic white bikini worn by Ursula Andress in Dr. No. As the first Bond girl ever, Honey Ryder emerged from the sea wearing a belted two-piece that would redefine swimwear forever. At the time, bikinis were still controversial and relatively rare in mainstream cinema. Her look not only cemented the bikini as a symbol of modern femininity but also sparked international demand for bold, athletic swimwear. It was replicated countless times in fashion editorials and beachwear collections throughout the 60s. Honey Ryder’s entrance is still considered one of the most iconic fashion moments in film history.