Philip Sparks kicks off rogue fashion week in Toronto

Like first robin each spring, my Philip Sparks show invitation heralds the start of another Fashion Week season. Now known affectionately as Rogue Fashion Week, the off-site shows kicked off last night with Sparks' fall/winter 2011 line.

It was, as always, a packed house in the Burroughes Building. Invitations have only become more coveted, clearly, for witnessing the crowned king of Canadian menswear debut his newest set of rugged coats, sharp suiting, and ladylike womenswear.

Outerwear and suits have always been Sparks' specialty, and this season was no exception--highly covetables included a belted nubby tweed trench and a black suit in Sparks' beloved wide plaid (it was styled beautifully with a contrasting red plaid shirt underneath).

Sparks also excels at getting the fun little details just right. Witness the plaid-cuffed jeans, a women's tuxedo jacket with matte plum silk lapels, and baskets and baskets' worth of curly, curly wool trimmed sturdy olive army-inspired coat, gloves, and even a lady's jacket. Get me those curly mittens!

What of the womenswear? Sparks' recently launched line for girls continues to offer versatile separates like a slim-fitting red plaid button-up and slouchy black-and-white striped sweater that look pretty timeless--but not boring, either. That belted gingham shirt-dress and pale beige corduroy may be office-appropriate, but they would work just as well with a pair of killer punky heels and a giant belt...and ten years from now.

Timeless design? All hail the king.

A special thanks to Peroni for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

Photos by Dennis Marciniak