If Looks Could Kill – The Ultimate Bond Girl

by Marina Rybak

As the James Bond franchise 50th anniversary celebration is about to peak, the Bond fever and the mega media blitz are still sweeping the globe at full speed. Never-ending retrospectives and anthologies have been keeping the publishing universe and the blogosphere abuzz. Forever suave Roger Moore’s “Bond on Bond” instant bestseller has disappeared from the New York bookstores in a flash. Devoted fans are pouring into the theaters now to see the latest Bond flick Skyfall.   Naturally, a spark of pistol–hot lingerie galore is keeping the media candlewick aflame and who’s the best Bond girl ever once again is a burning question.

Surprisingly, the original Bond siren, Linda Christian appeared in a TV adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel “Casino Royal” in 1954. Practically unknown to the modern moviegoers, the first seductress captured the heart of the Hollywood legend Tyrone Power in real life.

But it is the ravishing Ursula Andress in the role of Honey Ryder, who continues to capture the hearts of the rest of the world over and over again.  The ultimate and the hottest Bond girl rose from the sea waves in Dr. No in 1962.  Giving us the sexiest movie moment in history, the Swiss-born actress set the template for every Bond ‘s female counterpart to come ever since.

The spy phenomenon has ignited the career of the emerging sex symbol. The connection to the first 007 film kept her international fame and the lingerie-rich wardrobe shining brightly in many movies to follow.

Present day Bond leading beauties assert themselves to be more than pure aesthetic. Glamorous, brainy and sophisticated, they step into the action on equal terms alongside the 21st century James Bond. And yet without any exception, as lingerie-clad femme fatales, like the new Bond sensation, French actress-model Bérénice Marlohe, they tempt and soldier on from the covers of the men’s lifestyle magazines. After months of lingerie-related public relations campaigns Bérénice still rules for his eyes only in the December issue of FHM.