Words by Honor McWilliams, Head Stylist

After a year and a half of delayed anticipation, the No Time To Die premiere perfectly encapsulated the timeless glamour and sophistication of the classic 007 series. The Bond Franchise is the epitome of the glimmer of escapist cinema, and the attendees made sure to uphold this image for its 25th installment. Set against the backdrop of London’s Royal Albert Hall, this first full scale premiere since the beginning of the pandemic has officially and stylishly marked the long-awaited return of the red carpet.

Have a look at the best dressed of the evening here!

Lashana Lynch, the first female, black 007 in the feature film, stunned with a custom yellow Vivienne Westwood gown and tulle black skirt. The dress honoured her Jamaican heritage (and the birthplace of Bond) with an emerald green Doctor Bird hummingbird on the back, the national bird of Jamaica. With such a bold and vibrant look, Lynch is an emblem of the promising evolution of the 007 brand.

Photo: Jeff Spicer/ Getty Images for EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Universal Pictures

Ben Wishaw’s classic, slick Alexander McQueen tuxedo had a delicate magnolia, tree-of-lite and lily pad embroidered collar to tie together his look. Taking on the role of Q (one of my favourite characters in the James Bond series) I always love to see what Wishaw impresses us with on the red carpet!

Photos: Gareth Cattermole, courtesy of Getty Images

Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris and Emma Raducanu all embraced the glitz and glamour of Bond in sparkling silver custom gowns with some grecian influences, particularly in the dresses of Seydoux and Raducanu as well as Harris’ subtle halo headpiece. Dressed in Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Dior respectively, all three women personified grace and elegance.

Photo: Jeff Spicer courtesy of Getty Images for EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Universal Pictures.

As No Time to Die’s screen writer, Phoebe Waller Bridge also adopted the glimmering theme of the evening in a form-fitting Azzuro couture jumpsuit. Both Seydoux and Waller-Bridge opted for statement floor-length capes- could this be some possible Christmas ball inspiration !?

Photo Left: Gareth Cattermole, Courtesy of Getty Images

Photo Right: Jeff Spicer, Courtesy of Getty Images for EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Universal Pictures.

While the women tended to opt for shimmering floor-length gowns or suits, the men showed a clear preference for velvet tuxedos, as was evidenced by Bond himself, Daniel Craig and Johathan Majors. Although fuschia velvet wouldn’t immediately spring to mind as my idea of sophisticated evening wear, the more I look at it, the more I actually quite like Daniel Craig’s more unique choice for his final Bond premiere. To say goodbye to his beloved alter-ego of the past 15 years, he donned a rose-gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, as James Bond has showcased an Omega watch in every film since 1995. Jonathan Majors similarly took inspiration from Craig, this time in a full black velvet suit and velvet loafers. The subtlety of his snap-button band collar shirt gave his look an effortless finesse.

Photos: Chris Jackson Courtesy of Getty Images

By far the best dressed of the evening was none other than our St Andrews alumna Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Donning a Jenny Packham dress, the Duchess could have easily featured in the film itself. Adored in a dazzling gold dress complete with a cinched waist and accompanying floor length cape (yet again more Christmas ball inspiration ?!) the Duchess really was breathtaking. Her statement gold earrings by Onitaa and Grecian updo perfectly complemented the look. This is truly the essence of understanding the assignment.

No Time to Waste for Red Carpet Glamour at the No Time to Die Premiere