TFW diary: Canadiana and Janelle Monae mashups at Philip Sparks
Philip Sparks kicked off the fall 2011 season in Toronto last night with the latest in a line of consistently refined collections. Stage strewn with antique toboggans, rackets and boxes with a backdrop of oversized woven deer quilts by artist Grant Heap, it’s no surprise that the designer drew yet again from the idyllic Canadian winter, a setting that has become his inspiration of choice.
Playing on his signature of mix-and-match prep, the combo line—including his sophomore outing for the ladies—was made up of his classic wool and tweed suits, Melton duffle coats and canvas parkas and nipped-waisted tailored dresses featured oversized checks and were adorned with curly shearing. A warm and watery maple leaf print made its way onto a shirtdress, pleated skirt and a capped sleeve blouse, bringing a bit of an artful quality to the mix. Close to the end of the collection, a Janelle Monae lookalike appeared in a cropped black tux with purple lapels and spectator oxfords to boot. Always the first out of the fashion week gate, Sparks’s is a collection so full of delicious details it requires multiple sets of fresh eyes. Here’s to enjoying the rest of the season with peepers similarly peeled.
