The week before the official LG Fashion Week is always getting bigger and better. The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 edition was packed with big names and a comeback. I dubbed the week Toronto Extended Fashion Week a few seasons back but it seems that Rogue Fashion Week has cemented itself as the name. I like it. Philip Sparks Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 kicked things off.

Philip asked me participate in the show by taking photos of the action backstage and beyond. Olympus Canada sponsored the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 show so each insider was handed a new Olympus PEN E-PL2. (You can check out the photos on the Olympus Canada facebook page.) Regular readers know I’m a fan of the E-PL1 and it has taken many shots I’ve posted on this site. I was itching to play with the E-PL2.

Philip Sparks fall winter was all about Canadian winter and activities like skating, skiing and tobogganing. The collection wasn’t new to me. I saw it in the various stages of production and even did fit model for a pair of high-waisted pants one Sunday. Philip”s print used a photo he had taken of red maple leaves. The photo enlarged to make the leaves a little distorted and larger. When he rolled this fabric out on the work table in the studio, I immediately said “I want this in a full skirt.” I’m really lucky to get to see all sides of a collection and the hard work designers and their teams go though.

This collection celebrates Canadian winter with a focus on wool suiting and signature outwear. Functional menswear details like flannel lining in denim and triple ply shirting add warmth while maintaining a slim cut.

Women’s pieces feature pin tucking and exaggerated pleats. Our favourite accessories include mountain sheep collars and an oversized scarf inspired by the geometric pattern of Ontario blankets. (Fall 2011 show notes)

The presentation area was laid out in typical Philip Sparks fashion and snow sports equipment helped to frame the scene. The focal point was the giant quilt backdrops by Toronto artist Grant Heaps. Grant is amazing. I’ve seen his work at other shows before and my jaw dropped when I saw the size of these pieces. Such a talent.

Overall, I loved the collection but I’m heavily bias. Philip always does a great job of expressing his theme. The womenswear and menswear complement each other so nicely. My favourite skirt shape is the full skirt and Philip Sparks is the master of them. I own one from the spring summer 2011 collection and I so happy with it. I love the maple leaf photo print sateen and wool/linen combinations. I died over the Moss Tweed kimono coat with mountain sheep collar. I’d seen its transformation from a muslin to sample. It must be part of my Philip Sparks winter wardrobe. The wool and cashmere tweet skating dress with mountain sheep muff and beehive hat is such a great look. That dress was another one I saw from sketch to sample. My last favourite is the plaid cotton pin-tucked shirtdress.  Alon Freeman, stylist is a long time collaborator with Philip Sparks and his work is always reflective of the them of the season.

I also did a little interview with Fashion Television about the show where I promptly forgot Philip’s fall winter 2011 – 2012 theme and couldn’t comment on that particular question. It was embarrassing. I didn’t read the liner notes ahead of time and I know Philip and I talked about the theme many, many times before.

I had to represent Philip and wear a little something I picked up from the spring 2011 collection, the cherry blossom print jumper.

I paired it with some teal coloured tights from H&M, a black Dries Van Noten blazer and a Club Monaco belt.

I made a little video backstage using the N8 too.

See all of my photos from the Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012

See the entire Philip Sparks fall winter 2011 – 2012 collection