#dr no

SEAN CONNERY as James Bond in Dr. No (1962)

31 Days of Bond Fashion

DAY 1: HONEY RYDER'S BIKINI as seen in Dr No (1964).

When Ursula Andress emerged from the ocean in Dr. No, her iconic ivory swimsuit would become the standard for which all film bikinis were measured thereafter.  Its mid-rise bottoms were more daring than other options at the time, and was responsible for popularising more revealing swimwear just in time for the sexual revolution of the 60s. 

Unthinkably, however, it wasn’t the original bikini meant for the scene. The filmmakers had sourced another one, but Andress wasn’t a fan: 'I didn't like the palm trees or the leaves or the tropical flowers on the print of the fabric. I wanted something very simple.” She helped her friend – Tessa Prendergast, who was later given a costume design credit – make it. 

Built for action and practicality rather than lounging around on the sand, the top was constructed over Andress’ own underwired bra for support and comfort. The famous utility belt was sourced from Gordon Joshlin, a naval officer from the HMS Troutbridge, which was stationed nearby. In a later interview, he recalled a production assistant asking the crew for assistance: “The Petty Officer looked at me and said, "Let's have your webbing belt." He grabbed it off me and it was wrapped around Ursula Andress's hips. I didn't get it back.”