Last night young Canadian designer Philip Sparks presented his fall 2010 collection at the Burroughes Building on Queen Street West in Toronto. The show was a success... and I'm not just saying that because I have been a huge fan of his for years. After the show (be sure to check out the low down on the show here) I had the chance to slip backstage and talk to Philip about the nautical collection and much more. Here’s what the designer had to say.



Christopher: Tell me about your fall/winter 2010 collection
Philip: So the collection for this fall is inspired by Moby Dick. We used that as a starting point. The collection has a very maritime... navy... nautical feeling to it. But it’s not as formal as you might see in the military. It’s a little bit more utilitarian.

Christopher: If you could only wear one piece from the collection what would it be? What is the one stand out piece for you in the collection?
Philip: I would say the short cropped pea coat.
Christopher: I have to tell you mine would be the black wool melton cape coat!
Philip: That’s my number two!

Christopher: Why did you choose to once again show outside of Toronto Fashion Week?
Philip: My studio is on the 5th floor (of the Burroughes Building). Its one flight of stairs up from my studio and it’s a beautiful space and it works perfectly for us. This is our fourth time showing in here! I think a lot of our guests enjoy the intimate experience of coming to our offsite shows. What else can I say it really works for the brand.

Christopher: In terms of timing?
Philip: In terms of timing... fashion week was suppose to be next week so we were originally scheduled for the day before. We did a trade show in New York and then ten days later we did Montreal Fashion Week and then 10 days later was this. That was our schedule and when the week moved we decided to stick to our schedule.

Christopher: What do you love about the Canadian fashion scene?
Philip: I think there is a lot going on with Canadian fashion. It’s building and there’s definitely excitement! Look at the crowd of people out here tonight. They love fashion and they are excited to get out there and see what’s new.

Christopher: Which Canadian designers do you most admire or are you most inspired by?
Philip: I’ve always enjoyed Philippe Dubuc from Montreal. Before I started he was somebody that I looked up to.

Christopher: Which international designers do you most admire or are most inspired by?
Philip: Thom Browne.

Christopher: Where can Canadian fashion watchers buy Philip Sparks?
Philip: Right now the spring collection is in stores. You can find it at Delphic (706 Queen Street West) in Toronto. It’s at Simon’s (977, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest) in Montreal and at boutique duo (30, rue Prince-Arthur Ouest) in Montreal as well.

Christopher: Last question. Anything else on the horizon we can look forward to?
Philip: We’re also doing a small capsule collection of knitwear and accessories for the holidays.


For more on Philip Sparks check out: www.philipsparks.com

[Above Photo: Philip Sparks and Christopher Turner]

(Photos by: Silvia Drugea)

: 11:39 AM in Fashionist Interviews, Philip Sparks