Beautiful, sexy and seductive – every Bond girl in history has been something special.
Unfortunately, these women have also developed a reputation for often having more style than substance. Among the double agents, scientists and assassins have been women of er, lower quality (but who became poster girls for teenage boys the world over).
So we’re loving how in recent years these ladies aren’t just James Bond’s love interests but ass-kicking women who can hold their own thankyouverymuch. Think Grace Jones in her groundbreaking role as May Day in A View to Kill; Hong Kong action star Michelle Yeoh, who did her own stunts in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies; and Eva Green’s treasury agent Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, who is very much Bond’s equal.
This trend continues in the new James Bond film, Spectre, with a line-up of strong, intelligent women played by Léa Seydoux, Monica Bellucci and Naomie Harris. Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann is an assassin’s daughter who knows how to wield a gun with the best of them, while Monica Bellucci plays Lucia Sciarra, who is – for once – an age-appropriate choice for Bond.
That’s not to say these woman are all substance and no style at all and the outstanding fashion in Spectre cannot go unmentioned. Léa Seydoux’s blue Lover number is a particular standout as is a relaxed cream two-piece, while Monica Bellucci’s black power suit is mysterious and formidable at the same time.
Click through our gallery to see our favourite kick-ass Bond girls of all time…
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In celebration of the new film, Belvedere has created the Spectre 007 Martini:
Spectre 007 Martini
A twist on the classic dirty martini.
60 ml (2 oz) Belvedere
10 ml (1/4 oz) dry vermouth
1 Sicilian green olive (washed)
5 ml (dash) Sicilian green olive brine
Gently muddle olives in base of mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients and shake hard with ice. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a single Sicilian green olive.
