LG Fashion Week announces schedule and gears up for a location change
With TIFF being over and all, let our next annoying obsession be the return of Toronto's Fashion Week showcasing spring/summer 2012 looks from our esteemed Canadian designers. Scheduled to take place from October 17 to 21, this season's theme is, uh, "CanadaCool." New tents will pop up at David Pecaut Square (formally Metro Square), on King West between Metro Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, and everyone's relieved about not having to trek to the middle-of-nothing (a.k.a. Exhibition Grounds) this time around. In fact, the FDCC is calling the new space a "a state-of-the-art fashion epicentre."

And let's not forget the designers. So far, 40 shows and presentations are scheduled this season, with newcomers (and various fashion competition winners) like Caitlin Power and Golnaz Ashitani appearing for the first time. Other things to be excited about? Arthur Mendonca's return to the official runway and Montreal designer Marie Saint Pierre's breath of fresh air (pictured above). Predictably, Holt Renfrew will open the whole thing with their usual salute to Canadian fash thing, and, surprisingly, Denis Gagnon will close on Friday. View the full schedule here.

Attention men (and, fine, women): Philip Sparks trunk shop opens in the Junction today until Sunday
Menswear-cum-womenswear designer Philip Sparks is getting all semi-formal with the launch of his first satellite location out of Junction furniture shop SMASH. Open for five days only starting today, the trunk shop space was transformed specifically for Sparks (and his shoppers) in conjunction with SMASH owner Paul Mercer. Although you can shop the entire collection - and hey, sale stuff, too - online or out of his Burroughes Building studio every now and then, Sparks is offering a carefully-considered selection of fall menswear, womenswear and accessories. The space is also slated to travel around the city throughout the fall, collaborating with different retailers and adapting to different venues. Could this finally mean the start of the end for pop-ups? 2880 Dundas Street West. Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Credit cards and cash accepted.

Drawing Influence: An art show about fashion illustration opens tomorrow
PLAID magazine - quickly becoming one of the country's leading indie pubs - is unveiling their first art show tomorrow at Telegramme Prints on Ossington. Drawing Influence merges an old industry tradition with burgeoning talents, featuring the work of five Canadian fashion illustrators. Look for crazy talented graphic artist Regan McDonell and the whimsical Mandy Lau alongside Katrina Cervoni, Matthew Chow and Nicole DeCaria. You can get on the list for tomorrow's opening reception here or visit the show on your own time until September 29. 194 Ossington Avenue.

Again, for the guys: All-day forum on fall menswear tomorrow at The Bay
The team at The Bay Bloor Street's West End men's shop are gearing up for an all-day "preview" of fall fashion. Judging by the Facebook page, it seems the associates are taking it upon themselves to bring in the guys and bring in the cash. They invite you to shop new collections, get one-on-one consults with the department's personal shoppers, have drinks, and score a free fragrance with every purchase. If you work in the area, why not? It's on from noon to 9 p.m.

Also worth knowing:

Steals & Deals!
Domison furniture boutique is having a 15% off everything (and 50% off select items) sale until September 30. TeamBuy.ca is partnering with American Apparel for a mega steal: for $25, buyers will receive a $50 credit for use online or at any AA location across Canada. Get the deal online between September 26 and October 2.

Buzz
Pink Tartan designer Kimberly Newport-Mimran is gearing up to launch a men's line out of her Yorkville boutique Seventy Seven.

Debut
Men's sportswear brand Aether Apparel has launched in Canada. In Toronto, the line is available at The Bay Queen Street, The Bay Yorkdale and Motoretta on College Street.

Lead image from Marie Saint Pierre's Fall/Winter 2011 collection