Gala Brand

This post contains AI-generated images based solely on Ian Fleming’s descriptions of Gala Brand.

Gala Brand is described by Ian Fleming in “Moonraker” as an attractive and reserved woman, working as Sir Hugo Drax’s private secretary. She is also revealed to be an agent of the Special Branch. She is the lead female of the novel, and although James Bond is attracted to her, his plans to go away with her after the mission do not come to fruition.

Physical Appearance:

• She has very level blue eyes.
• She is tall and dark.
• She possesses a reserved, unbroken beauty.
• Her hair is auburn.
• She is 5 ft 7 in height and weighs 9 stone.
• Her measurements are noted as: Hips: 38, Waist: 26, Bust: 38.
• A distinguishing mark is a mole on the upper curvature of her right breast.
• She wears the same model shirt as Bond’s secretary, but with blue stripes.
• She is seen dressed in a sugar-pink and white striped shirt and a plain dark blue skirt.
• Her rather severe evening dress is in charcoal black grosgrain with full sleeves that came below the elbow. The wrapover bodice just showed the swell of her breasts. She wears a bright blue cameo brooch (a Tassie intaglio) and a half-hoop of small diamonds on her engagement finger. She wears no other jewellery except this ring. Apart from warm rouge on her lips, she wears no make-up, and her nails are square-cut with a natural polish.
• When going to the beach, she wears a black and white striped cotton shirt tucked into a wide hand-stitched black leather belt above a medium-length skirt in shocking pink.

Personality and Traits:

• She is initially perceived as indifferent, almost with hostility, towards Bond.
• Bond thinks of her as well-chosen, another Loelia Ponsonby: reserved, efficient, loyal, virginal, and a professional.
• Five years in the Service have lent a touch of sternness to her reserved beauty.
• She is described as cool and firm.
• Despite her professional demeanor, Bond senses she could be very passionate beneath her reserve.
• Assistant Commissioner Vallance considers her a bright girl.
• Over time, she becomes passionately concerned with the success of the Moonraker and dedicated to its service.
• She finds her other duties as Drax’s secretary insufferably dull.
• She is observant, noticing details like Bond’s car and his secretary’s habit.
• She shows modesty and a touch of impulsiveness.
• She admits to not trusting Krebs and having noticed him snooping in her room.
• She is capable of bravery and resilience in dangerous situations, as shown during the cliff-fall and the steam incident.
• She is determined and resourceful.
• She displays a sense of duty and professionalism, wanting to get on with their job despite personal danger.
• She develops a close bond with Bond through their shared experiences.
• At the end of the book, it is revealed she is engaged to Detective-Inspector Vivian.

Profession and Role:

• She works as Sir Hugo Drax’s private secretary.
• She is also an agent of the Special Branch, planted on Drax by Vallance to observe him.
• She is bilingual in German.
• She has been working on the site since the beginning of the project.
• She prepares the flight plans for the Moonraker, gathering data and calculating gyro settings.
• She is considered one of Vallance’s best girls.
• She knows jujitsu and can defend herself.

In summary, Gala Brand is portrayed as a capable and attractive woman balancing her role as a seemingly ordinary private secretary with her secret work as a Special Branch agent. She is reserved but possesses hidden passion and demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness in the face of danger.