Philip Sparks was the unofficial start to what I’m calling Toronto Extended Fashion Week. TEFW for short. The venue was in the usual haunts of the Burroughs Building. This season they used the bigger section of the 6th floor. They also had a great setup for the lounge area, complete with cheese plates and a DJ.

I had a preview of the collection when I got to sit in on the Lookbook photoshoot. The collection included some pieces that I hadn’t seen which was a great surprise. The inspiration this season was cottage life and 1950s Canadian Pacific Railways gatewya ads. The collection featured fabrics like seersucker, cotton voile and ramie. Philip worked with textile designer Kerry Croghan to create his Gone Fishing print. It’s inspired from Thor Hansen fabrics and Canadian souvenir imagaery. These prints were used in shirts and ties.

I love the fact that Philip doesn’t shy away from his Canadian roots. He embraces them fully and I really appreciate that love for our history and culture. I’m a born and raised Richmond Hill suburb child and my love of Canadiana is ingrained. It’s wonderful to see this translated into clothing.

Philips show was very nautical. Waders (famously worn by Agyness Dyne), stripes and trenches we major staples. Typical Sparks basics, like button up shirts and henleys, complemented the staple pieces. The hooded windbreaker brought back memories to any person that were old enough to remember the 80s vividly. I’m totally bias but Philip can do no wrong in my book. I love his vision of a Philip Sparks man. He is relaxed about his appearance but appreciates the sartorial touches. The models in Philip’s show were really hot. I felt terrible for drooling as some of them are way too young.

My favourite pieces included the new Philip Sparks handbags. The hardware is all brass and handmade by Mennonites. I also love everything with the print that was designed by Kerry Croghan.

Overall it was a very well produced show with great models and clothing. The runway room looked fabulous and it was very roomy. Everyone got a good look at the collection. It was the best way to start Extended Fashion Week. Next up is Greta Constantine.

See the complete collection in the Philip Sparks Spring 2010 slideshow.

Photos Taken by Paul Baik for I want – I got, www.paulbaikphoto.com