Halle Berry disclosed the whereabouts of her legendary Bond bikini over two decades after the release of Die Another Day in November 2002. Known for her role as Jinx opposite Pierce Brosnan, Berry wore the unmistakable bright orange La Perla swimsuit that has become an iconic piece of film history. The bikini, coupled with a low-slung white leather belt and a knife tucked at the waist, remains one of the most memorable moments in cinematic swimwear style.
During her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Monday, Berry was asked by an audience member about the fate of the costume, more than 20 years later. She confirmed with a laugh that the bikini now resides in her closet, preserving the garment as a personal keepsake. The vibrant La Perla halterneck was previously showcased in 2016 as part of the
Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style
exhibit in Paris, where it was displayed alongside Ursula Andress’s iconic white bikini from Dr. No.
Behind the Scenes: The Bond Bikini’s Filming Challenges
Berrymore added her perspective on the scene’s lasting impressions, stating it
lives rent free in all of our minds.
The memorable sequence, where Berry’s character emerges from the water, has since become a defining Bond moment. However, Berry has shared that shooting the scene was more difficult than it appeared on screen.
In a 2021 feature for Vogue’s Life in Looks series, the actress revealed that the water was actually very cold, requiring her to act as if she were enjoying herself. She explained,
I had to make it look like the water was warm and I was having a grand ‘ole time when I was freezing my butt off. This was sort of a badass Bond girl. She was on par with Bond. She was very much his partner, and that was very exciting for me.
The Preparation and Selection of the Iconic Swimsuit
Berry also recounted the detailed process behind choosing this particular bikini. The garment, designed by the luxury Italian brand La Perla, was not a spontaneous choice. She elaborated,
We tried on so many bathing suits, so many bikinis and so many belts. And this looks effortless, but this was a whole situation getting this little bathing suit right. Choosing the color and the right fit,
highlighting the effort involved in finding the perfect combination for the role.
The Enduring Legacy of Berry’s Bond Bikini
The orange La Perla bikini worn by Halle Berry remains a cultural touchstone in the history of James Bond films and fashion. Its display in prominent exhibits demonstrates its significance beyond cinema, cementing its place in style lore. For Berry, keeping the bikini in her personal collection reflects both her attachment to the role and the iconic status of the costume. As fans continue to celebrate the Bond girl persona she portrayed, the orange swimsuit symbolizes a moment when a strong female character stood alongside 007, marking a shift in the franchise’s depiction of women.
