Philip Sparks FW11 Campaign Photo
A capacity crowd made up of Toronto’s biggest fashion insiders
squeezed their way to the sixth floor of Toronto’s historic Borroughes
Building
their way towards the back room, they jostled for position with
iPhones and Blackberries in one hand, champagne glasses and oversized
leather bags in the other. All eager to catch a glimpse of what has
become the unofficial start to Toronto’s Fashion Week – the highly
anticipated Philip Sparks Tailored Goods Inc.
Early mid-20th century skates, toboggans, snowshoes, skis, and
wildlife tapestries
The back room of the sixth floor had been transformed into a wintry
scene out of what could arguably have been a rather fitting 1930s
depression/post-depression era Canada. The models, bundled up and
rosy-cheeked, passed bails of hay and simulated snowbanks as they
walked the hardwood runway to a captivated crowd. The intense
cavalcade of incandescent lights however, showered down enough heat to
make it feel more like the Florida Everglades than the Canadian
Shield.
Masculine elegance, both in men’s and womenswear, has been a major
trend in several of the Milan, Paris, and New York City FW11
collections. It looks as though it’s found its way to Toronto. « My
inspiration? Canadian winter leisure activity, » explained Sparks
after the show. The label is staying true to its nostalgic vintage
detailing and classic tailoring, while pulling inspiration from the
great Canadian outdoors and outdoor activities that have helped define
Canada as a nation and a people. The check, plaid, tweed, and
herringbone patterns, the broad collared square-shouldered outerwear,
wool suiting – they gave off a 1930s vibe with that contemporary
Philip Sparks twist. The signature outerwear featuring mountain sheep
shearling collars, scarves, mittens and hand muffs were a huge hit.
As was one distinctive maple leaf photo print cotton sateen cocktail
dress.
Jeans lined in plaid flannel, what a brilliant idea! No more long
underwear next winter and roll the pant cuff
for a great effect. The high gorge three-button wool suits? Not for
me, I’m a conventional two-button kind of a guy. Other men’s
favourites included the geometric Ontario blanket scarf, all the
mountain sheep collared outerwear, the flecked wool herringbone trench
coat, the cream hand knit fisherman sweater, the plaid flannel shirts,
and the footwear. Equally impressive were the women’s outerwear,
plaid cotton pin-tucked shirtdress, maple leaf blouse, and pleated
skirts.
All of Philip Sparks’ clothing and accessories are proudly made in
Canada by specialized manufacturers, leather workers, and knitters.
Sparks has succeeded in proposing a FW11 collection that does not
sacrifice style for function or vice versa. Dressed in Philip Sparks,
we will stay warm during the coldest of Canadian winter days, but will
not look bulky. Ultimately, the Canadian knows winter best.
By Spiro Mandylor / It’s all style to me