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.

View the Phillip Sparks photo gallery »

View the Phillip Sparks runway video »

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