Philip Sparks show begins rogue fashion week

Philip Sparks’s menswear presentation last night marked the opening of what we’re calling rogue fashion week. Though Toronto fashion week officially launches on March 28, a number of designers (Greta Constantine, Nada, Paul Hardy) have chosen to skip it and show beforehand, stretching the festivities out over three weeks. (We long for the time when they can be crammed into three days.)

As in past seasons, Sparks chose to use the loft-like Burroughes Building at Queen and Bathurst, where he has studio space. The show was inspired by Moby Dick and was heavy on maritime detailing, like thick grey tweed pants, cropped black wool trench coats and deep navy blazers. (See the photos in our slide show below.) Even the stage was nautical: models perched on wooden crates and a canoe frame—one even carried a rope over his shoulder.

Sparks opted to do a presentation (where models stand around in the clothes) in addition to the brief runway walk, much to the chagrin of the male models, who were heard bemoaning having to stand around for so long. The life of a male model is a constant struggle, we’re sure.

Check back next week for coverage of Nada’s 3-D show and Greta Constantine’s much-anticipated collection.