Arriving straight from the Barbican Centre, Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style has made its North American premiere at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. Opening to the public October 26 and running until January 20, 2013, the ultra-stylish exhibition explores the impact the franchises’ five decades has had on everything from fashion to cars, technology and travel.

As the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever devoted to the super agent, some of highlights include a variety of tuxedos worn by Bond, gadgets (including the gold cigarette lighter/gun), and a life-sized replica of Shirley Eaton’s character in Goldfinger. Not Bond-obsessed? Between the glamorous costumes, cool set designs, and special effects details, you’re not only getting a glimpse into Bond, but the movie making magic — and what’s not to love about that?

Originally organized by the Barbican in partnership with EON Productions, this exhibit has been guest-curated by fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Academy Award-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming, who has designed five Bond films including The World is Not Enough and Casino Royale.

TIFF is complementing the exhibition with a showing of 22 Bond films, including old favourites like From Russia With Love, Dr. No and recent releases like Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, as well as Beyond Bond: Other Secret Agents, which looks at the knock-offs and other spy films that launched following the popularity of Bond, and opens November 30.

With the latest Bond flick, Skyfall, hitting theatres November 3, the timing really couldn’t be better.

Tickets to the exhibit are $15 and free for members.

Where to Find:
TIFF Bell Lightbox
350 King St. West
Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
1-888-599-8433
tiff.net