Celebrating 40 years of Octopussy

Globe-Trotter has launched an illustrated limited-edition collection celebrating the classic Bond film

The 1983 Bond film Octopussy – lucky number 13 in the record-breaking franchise – has all the hallmarks of a classic 007 escapade. There’s high-octane action, ravishing locations, dastardly villains, the threat of Armageddon, an alluring leading lady – and a fake Fabergé egg.

But, on the other hand, Octopussy – like its namesake – is also a rather curious creature. For one thing, Bond indulges in dress-up in this movie like never before: disguising himself as both a clown and a gorilla and infiltrating Octopussy’s floating palace inside an animatronic crocodile. The eponymous antagonist (memorably portrayed by Maud Adams) is the intriguing heart of the film; a mysterious international jewel-smuggler who lives on a private island (the famous Taj Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur) populated entirely by women. She has been hailed as one of the franchise’s most complex and powerful women.

Octopussy was Roger Moore’s sixth Bond outing, and Ian Fleming’s original story was first serialised in 1966 before it was published as a book (called Octopussy and The Living Daylights) later that same year. In truth, the short story bears little resemblance to the film, which was adapted for the big screen by George MacDonald Fraser (of Flashman fame), Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the film, and like many movies in the iconic opus, its legacy and influence remain unparalleled, especially when it comes to style.

James Bond’s sartorial choices have always been an integral part of his character, and Fleming was ahead of the curve in illustrating his protagonist’s dapper clothing and accessories in intricate detail. It made readers who aspired to emulate their hero able to do so by seeking out the luxury brands that made their way into the novels.

Bond’s influence as a style icon remains undimmed 61 years after his cinematic debut. Alongside the Omega timepieces and Aston Martin cars, Globe-Trotter suitcases have been his luggage of choice since 2006’s Casino Royale, which introduced Daniel Craig as the enigmatic spy. The timeless Vulcanised Fibreboard cases have made an appearance in every subsequent film, with Globe-Trotter replicating limited-edition releases for fans of Bond and the brand.

Now, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Octopussy, Globe-Trotter has revealed a special-edition collection inspired by the film. A jet-black Globe-Trotter 4-Wheel Carry-On Case (also available in the larger Check-In size and an Attaché) is emblazoned with an illustrated octopus wrapping its tentacles around the Vulcanised Fibreboard body. The eye-catching motif is taken directly from Maciek Piotrowski’s artwork, which you can spot on a silk robe worn by Octopussy in the film. Inside, each case features a leather patch with the 007 emblem and a lining with the Octopussy logo, taken from the original movie poster. The new release pays a visually striking yet subtle homage to the 007 classic.

The Octopussy collection is available now online and at Globe-Trotter flagship stores in London and Tokyo

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