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When we see a woman shrouded in our white Zermatt coats, we immediately think about the girls from James Bond movies, conjuring up images of the mysterious and exotic women passing microfilm, sipping martinis, or firing Kalashnikovs at 007 from a pair of skis. In honor of these classy, yet brazen Bond ladies, our design team brings you our favorite spy movies.
A View to a Kill- John Glen, 1985
Growing up in the 80’s this classic Bond film was my introduction to the sleek action espionage series. My favorite spy/Bond girl in this film was May Day, a kick-ass villainess assassin played by Grace Jones. This Amazonian femme fatale was trained in the martial arts and genetically bred with super strength to become a ferocious and beautiful killer. Her outfits were what appealed to me the most – over the top glamour, yet still riding the edge between femininity and toughness. I can picture her in our Zurmatt Coat, freefalling off the Eiffel Tower with Duran Duran playing in the background. -Aaron
North by Northwest, Alfred Hitchcock, 1959
There would be no 007 in my opinion without Hitchcock’s stylish masterpiece, North by Northwest. Leading man Cary Grant is sharp-dressed, and seems physically unable to complete a sentence without a wisecrack, a trait often associated with James Bond. While all of Hitchcock’s movies are a delight to look at, his visual imprint over the look and feel of NXNW shows a director at the peak of his career. Most people recognize the movie for its iconic airplane chase scene over a spacious cornfield, but my favorite shot is of Cary Grant running away from a murder outside of the United Nations building from a bird’s eye view (pictured above). The film also features great kinetic typography from one of my graphic design heroes, Saul Bass. -Teddy
Hopscotch, Ronald Neame, 1980
Hopscotch is a surprisingly underrated movie. Walter Matthau plays an ex-CIA agent who threatens to write a tell-all book. Although the fashion is generic, late 70’s corporate wear (short ties and wide lapels) the clever dialogue and ever changing plot line holds your attention all the way to the end. –Meagan
From Russia with Love – Terrance Young, 1963
This is my favorite James Bond movie because it take place in the early 60’s and has the best costumes and locations! The music is iconic, the plots are still fresh and SPECTRE plays a great nemesis, seeking to avenge the killing of Dr. No. from an earlier film. Action, adventure and glamorous ladies set the standard for later movies of this genre. Sean Connery is also my favorite Bond! -Dale
Sean Connery is simply a badass in this film. This is one of my favorite 007 movies! -Koh
