Philip Sparks

Chair-ity project for Design Week

2012-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's design week in Toronto and we'll be checking out all the exhibitions including Come Up To My Room, Radiant Dark, Associates and Capacity over the weekend. We'll also be at the opening for the Interior Design Show on Thursday evening. The IDS team asked us to be one of 20 designers and artists to reimagine Magis' Julian chair below.

There was a bit of a debate about what kind of animal the chair was supposed to be but eventually we got confirmation that is a dog. We kept our reimagination simple by covering it in long mongolian lamb fur that softens its shape and makes sitting on it a bit cushier. Our final piece is on the right in the gallery below next to chairs by Debbie Travis, Atelier Kastelic + Buffey and Piero Lissoni.

All the pieces will be auctioned off at the party to benefit ONEXONE. Tickets for the event are $55 in advance online or $60 at the door.

Studio Saturdays

2012-01-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

Daily Deal: Coats

2012-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

It's our last day at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Sunday, January 15), take an additional 10% off all coats:

Men's shawl collar pea coat, $234 on sale (from $585)
Kimono coat, $394 on sale (from $985)
Military parka, $300 on sale (from $750)
Women's duffle coat, $234 on sale (from $585)
Men's duffle coat, $340 on sale (from $850)

Click here to shop MEN'S and WOMEN'S coats

Daily Deal: Boots

2012-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

It's our last weekend at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Saturday, January 14), take an additional 10% off all boots:

Cuff boot fully lined in wool fleece, $140 on sale (from $350)
Toe cap boot, $140 on sale (from $350)
Brogue boot, $140 on sale (from $350)
Tall boot, $158 on sale (from $395)

Click HERE to shop boots.

Daily Deal: Blazers

2012-01-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's our last week at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Friday, January 13), take an additional 10% off all blazers:

Men's two button check blazer, $270 on sale (from $675)
Women's tweed blazer, $230 on sale (from $575)
Men's three button black blazer, $260 on sale (from $650)
Women's tuxedo jacket, $260 on sale (from $650)
Men's three button tweed blazer, $260 on sale (from $650)

Click here to shop MEN'S and WOMEN'S blazers.

Daily Deal: Dresses

2012-01-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

It's out last week at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Thursday, January 12), take an additional 10% off all dresses:

Plaid shirtdress, $198 on sale (from $495)
Maple leaf print cocktail dress, $238 on sale (from $595)

Silk cocktail dress, $238 on sale (from $595)

Click HERE to shop dresses.

Daily Deal: Trousers

2012-01-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's our last week at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Wednesday, January 11), take an additional 10% off all on-sale men's and women's pants (we snuck a few skirts into the sale too):

Men's flannel-lined jeans, $134 on sale (from $335)
Women's signature cut cords, $90 on sale (from $225)
Men's canvas work chinos, $100 on sale (from $250)
High waisted indigo denim, $78 on sale (from $195)
Men's slim cut cords, $100 on sale (from $250)
One of a kind maple leaf print skirt, $158 on sale (from $395)

Click here to shop MEN'S and WOMEN'S trousers.

Daily Deal: Shirting

2012-01-10T06:11:00.001-08:00

It's our last week at 63 Ossington in Toronto and we're offering up great, daily end-of-season discounts in store and online. Today (Tuesday, January 10), take an additional 10% off all on-sale men's and women's tops:

Flannel shirt, $94 on sale (from $235)
Women's oxford shirt in triple ply cotton, $92 on sale (from $230)
Tuxedo shirt, $118 on sale (from $295)
Maple leaf print blouse, $100 on sale (from $250)
Men's button-down shirt in triple ply cotton, $94 on sale (from $235)
Plaid cotton blouse, $98 on sale (from $245)

Click here to shop MEN'S and WOMEN'S tops.

Last week at 63 Ossington!

2012-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

In late October, we launched our second Trunk Shop in partnership with vintage boutique I Miss You. Almost three months later, we're finally packing up the pop-up but not before one last week of daily deals:

Shirt Sale Saturday and Sunday

2012-01-06T11:23:00.001-08:00

Click here to shop MEN'S and WOMEN'S shirts.

Boxing Week Shopping Guide: Womenswear

2011-12-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we posted sale picks for men and today we've compiled our best Boxing Week buys for women. It's all available ONLINE or in store at 63 Ossington in Toronto (holiday hours are posted HERE).

Calling this our "coat of the season" is a bit of an understatement. Women really respond to its oversized shape, detachable mountain sheep collar and the texture of its mossy tweed. Originally $985, now $492.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK OUTERWEAR
Our signature cut cords have a bit of natural stretch that make them extra comfortable. Originally $225, now $112.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK PANTS AND SKIRTS
If you're little black dressed-out for New Year's Eve, try pairing our shawl collar tux jacket with sharp trousers or dark denim. Originally $650, now $325. SHOP BOXING WEEK JACKETS
Each of our maple leaf print blouses is a little unique but they all feature colourful segments of the signature photo print on luxe cotton sateen. Originally $250, now $125. SHOP BOXING WEEK SHIRTS AND BLOUSES
This cocktail dress comes in both our maple leaf print and a deep plum silk with a gathered detail that scoops from the waist to the hip. Originally $595, now $297.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK DRESSES
Our accessory stock is getting low but we still have a few burgundy leather belts with brass tacking. Originally $110, now $55. SHOP BOXING WEEK ACCESSORIES

Boxing Week Shopping Guide: Menswear

2011-12-28T07:42:00.001-08:00

Need some discount deal guidance? Here are some of our best menswear buys for sale season available ONLINE or in store at 63 Ossington in Toronto (check out our holiday hours HERE):

Our pea coat in green melton wool comes with a shawl collar and a quilted lining guaranteed to keep you toasty through winter. Originally $585, now $292.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK OUTERWEAR
Suiting options include blazers in tweed and classic black but this cutaway style stands out with its cream and burgundy check. Originally $675, now $337.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK SUITS
Our most casual (and comfy) shirting option is this button down oxford available in black, green or khaki triple ply cotton. Originally $235, now $117.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK SHIRTS
We call these trousers "work chinos" because of their rugged cotton fabric and details like tabs on the waist, seam reinforcing rivets and metal buttons. Originally $250, now $125. SHOP BOXING WEEK PANTS
Inspired by a pattern commonly found on vintage quilts in Ontario, this extra large scarf is lined in navy/brown buffalo check wool for extra warmth. Originally $325, now $162.50. SHOP BOXING WEEK ACCESSORIES
These boots literally fit like a glove with their soft leather and wool lining from the ankle all the way to the tip of the toe. Originally $350, now $175. SHOP BOXING WEEK FOOTWEAR

Boxing Day Sale Extended

2011-12-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day Sale!

2011-12-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas

2011-12-23T07:30:00.001-08:00

Holiday Hours

2011-12-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here are our holiday hours at 63 Ossington Ave. over the next two weeks. Our online shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week of course.

Thursday, December 22 – 12 pm to 7 pm

Friday, December 23 – 12 pm to 7 pm

Saturday, December 24 – 12 pm to 4 pm

Sunday, December 25 – CLOSED

BOXING DAY, Monday, December 26 – 11 am to 6 pm

Tuesday, December 27 – 12 pm to 6 pm

Wednesday, December 28 – 12 pm to 6 pm

Thursday, December 29 – 12 pm to 7 pm

Friday, December 30 – 12 pm to 7 pm

Saturday, December 31 – 12 pm to 4 pm

Sunday, January 1 – CLOSED

Regular store hours resume on January 3

Tux Time

2011-12-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to shop holiday.

Dapper holiday

2011-12-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Boots have arrived!

2011-12-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

The winter boot collection has arrived at 63 Ossington and our online shop. Pick up a pair in store or online and get a free pack of all natural, salt stain and slush-protecting BootRescue wipes.

The Backseat Stylers - 11.12.01

2011-12-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Philip Sparks for Danier Spring 2012 Men's Accessories Collection

When Danier recently announced the latest addition to their roster of designer collaborators, Toronto-based Philip Sparks, there was an audible cheer from fashion-conscious men across the country. An accessories collection to call their own, one they wouldn’t have to share with the ladies? Definitely cause for excitement. Today, we got a sneak peek at the collection at the Danier Spring 2012 preview, and it’s everything they – and we! – hoped it would be.

Sparks’ designs for Danier are classic, functional, and downright attractive-looking. “We started with a nostalgic idea of travel and how people once boarded airplanes and train cars with a wardrobe of carryalls, duffle bags and cases,” says the designer. “Then, we updated that mix to include iPad cases and backpacks filled with extra pockets and compartments for contemporary travelers who expect the functionality of five bags in one.”

The results are highly covetable. In fact, I’m disappointed that the collection won’t be available in time for the holidays; a swanky new briefcase would’ve been a perfect Christmas gift for the Mister. Or me, for that matter. Because if the men thought they wouldn’t have to share this collection with the women, think again.

The Grid - 11.12.01

2011-12-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sparks parks on Ossington

Toronto designer Philip Sparks has found a more permanent home for his "traveling trunk show" store concept, providing a more visible storefront space in which to peddle his made-in-Toronto menswear.

BY: CHRISTOPHER PARKER

Though he originally envisioned his store concept as a “a traveling trunk show” through a number of the city’s neighbourhoods, designer Philip Sparks has already found himself planting roots at what was only supposed to be his second stop along the way. (The first was at Smash in The Junction.)

Sparks’ attachment to the tiny space at 63 Ossington (just north of Queen) is hardly shocking, mind you, as he already calls the neighbourhood home. “I live around the corner,” he says, adding that the proximity of his studio and where all of his goods are manufactured certainly doesn’t hurt either, “I work around the corner [at the Burroughes Building] and all [the merchandise is] made on Spadina at Dundas.”

In fact, Sparks first began selling to the public directly in his Burroughes Building workspace, and it was the success of this venture that convinced him to establish a more accessible brick-and-mortar presence. “We’ve been open on Saturdays at our studio on Queen Street up on the fifth floor for about three years now. We started to have a larger and larger group of people who were willing to buzz in, come up to the fifth floor and come shopping on a Saturday,” he explains. “It was only six hours a week that we were doing that, and that was going well for us, so we wanted to have a street presence without going into something that was 2,000 square feet.”

As for just how long Sparks’ retail experiment will carry on, who’s to say? “We got asked if we would like to stay here [on Ossington]…it was for a week initially, and things have gone really well, so we’re here until at least the end of December—it’s indefinite” says Sparks.

Beyond being a more visible facility from which to hock his wares, the Ossington store provides Sparks with the opportunity to present his designs on his own terms. “It’s great to be able to present the whole collection the way we want to present it and have everything available that we want to” he says. In the past, much of his public presence was first filtered through buyers’ selections at the wholesale level, which could at times reveal only a narrow segment of the overall picture. “Everyone was just buying shirts and jeans, and the basic, safe stuff,” he explains. But now “what we’ve been selling the most of is suits—it’s been nice to know that I can design those things and it’s something people want and have a place to sell it.”

And this is a good thing, as one of Sparks’ strong points is certainly his suiting. In many ways, a number of his suits this season—with their heavy fabrics, three buttons in a high stance and patch pockets—convey hints of Dickens and Deadwood (“it’s more a turn of the century reference for me,” he says) but without ever devolving into costume.

In fact, historical references have often come into play for Sparks, with research comprising a major component of his design process. “In our first season, I sold a lot of these pea coats with a triple vent in the back and they were based on old pattern drafts that I found that were early 1900s military,” he recalls. “The way that they were made then isn’t practical at all for now, but we’ve been taking those details and understanding how they did things and reworking it so that it works for today. We’ve been calling it ‘modern nostalgia.’”

But this approach shouldn’t be confused with rigidity or an overly serious philosophy. “I hate to say ‘whimsical,’” says Sparks, “but I want it to be fun, I want to have fun doing it—I don’t want it to be too serious. Fashion isn’t a life or death situation, you should enjoy it, you should enjoy what you’re doing and you should enjoy putting yourself together in the morning. That being said, I still try to take each piece seriously and try to make sure that everything is wearable and understandable and well-made.”

And part of this emphasis on creating quality garments has meant manufacturing in Toronto. “It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to manufacture here, but I really don’t want to see that lost,” he says. For Sparks, manufacturing here is not solely a question of quality, but an integral part of his design process. “Part of the creative process for me is the development of the product…having it put together a certain way and being in the factory. I’m very hands-on throughout that process. If you lose that here then all you’re doing is making up a spec and shipping it off to wherever and you better hope that whatever comes back is acceptable for you.”

Being hands-on with the people who are making his garments also allows Sparks a certain amount of give-and-take, enabling him to ask “What are the rules? What can I do?” instead of settling for what he already knows is possible. “If you’re just sending something overseas,” he reasons, “maybe you’re just copying things that have already been done because you’re not in the position to try something new.”

Access to local production isn’t just important for those, like Sparks, who are already a part of the industry. “There’s 200 fashion graduates just from schools in Toronto alone every year,” he says, and for them local production is a vital part of the equation, as manufacturing overseas is just not an economic option. “The kind of volumes you’re looking at are unattainable by most independents,” says Sparks. “If you take away the opportunity for someone to start small by making it here with lower volumes and build…” Well, what opportunities will they have?

End note: Should you find something in Sparks’ Ossington store but they don’t have your size or the fit is a little bit off, don’t fret, as there’s a certain amount of just-in-time manufacturing at play here. According to Sparks, “as long as it’s based on a style that we’re currently offering, if we don’t have a size or there’s something specific that a customer needs fit-wise, then we will do that…as long as we have the materials available.”

Maybe just one more boot sneak peek...

2011-12-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

Almost here...

2011-11-30T08:01:00.001-08:00

Boots are coming...

2011-11-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Boots are coming...

2011-11-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Holiday Shopping!

2011-11-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Studio Sessions: Coats

2011-11-22T07:12:00.001-08:00

Jenna Wakani snapped two of our signature fall coats for the Fall Studio Sessions series. Pick your favourite at our online shop or in store in Toronto at 63 Ossington.

Leather bomber jacket, $1325

Kimono coat with mountain sheep collar, $985

Hair by Tamara Gibson/Makeup by Karleigh Johnstone

C-O-A-T-S-!

2011-11-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Shop Men's and Women's coats!

INTorontoMag.com - 11.11.02

2011-11-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Shop for our Military parka HERE.

Chatelaine - 11.11

2011-11-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Trunk Shop-to-Shop

2011-11-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Every designer wants to be in retail. And everyone in retail tells them not to do it. So we very cautiously started to experiment with selling directly to the public a few years ago when we moved into the Burroughes Building. Finding ourselves in the studio working away on most Saturdays, we quietly put a sandwich board by the front door and opened up the showroom for six hours of shopping every week.

Next up was our web store. We've shipped online orders to as far away as New Zealand and been surprised by how many people use the site to research a purchase before buying in person.

This fall, we launched our Trunk Shop concept stores, a travelling series of pop ups that let us connect with shoppers in different neighbourhoods and collaborate with other retailers by mixing our collections together. Our latest Trunk Shop has been next door to vintage boutique I Miss You on Ossington and...drumroll please...we've decided to stick around.

The Philip Sparks shop will be open Tuesdays through Sundays at 63 Ossington for the rest of the season and will become our home base for shopping events, sample sales and day-to-day retailing of our menswear, womenswear and accessories. The merch is always being updated (women's coats and the holiday collection of dresses and digital maple leaf print pieces will be in this month) so stop by often! Our hours are below:

Philip Sparks Shop

63 Ossington Avenue (between Queen and Dundas), Toronto

Tuesday noon - 6 pm

Wednesday noon - 6 pm

Thursday noon - 7 pm

Friday noon - 7 pm

Saturday noon - 7 pm

Sunday noon - 6 pm

DANIER Announces Designer Collaborations SS 2012

2011-10-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

(Toronto, Ontario) October 31, 2011 – After wowing the Canadian media, consumers and fashion lovers alike last season with the launch of their three Designer collaborations, DANIER continues in their exciting direction with two new designer capsule collections. Spring 2012 will welcome an accessory capsule collection by Canadian talent Philip Sparks as well as see the return of OBJECT by George Antonopoulos. These new collections emphasize DANIER’s continued commitment to bridging a relationship between their valued consumer and the vast Canadian design talent.

”DANIER is thrilled to be able to expand our men’s offering and partner with these talented designers to bring something fresh and exciting for Spring 2012. George and Philip offer their own unique take on the season’s fashion essentials while keeping with the DANIER standards for quality and affordable luxury.” – Jennifer Steckel Elliott, DANIER VP Marketing

In looking for their next collaboration, designer Philip Sparks aligned perfectly with the DANIER design ideals. Canadian aesthetic fused with fashion forward design elements that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. The Philip Sparks for DANIER collection will be comprised of men’s accessories for Spring, which fit seamlessly into the modern man’s wardrobe, perfectly balancing fashion and functionality.

“Working with DANIER to create a collection of men’s accessories has allowed me to focus on the small details and handsome hardware that make vintage bags and leather goods so collectable. We started with a nostalgic idea of travel and how people once boarded airplanes and train cars with a wardrobe of carryalls, duffle bags and cases. Then, we updated that mix to include iPad cases and backpacks filled with extra pockets and compartments for contemporary travelers who expect the functionality of five bags in one.” – Philip Sparks, Designer

Following the successful launch of his inaugural George Antonopoulos' OBJECT for DANIER collection this past fall, the designer was ready to build and grow his portfolio. OBJECT by George Antonopoulos Spring 2012 will see his signature minimalist aesthetic re-imagined with colour blocking, pastels and punchy statement colours, as well as an expanded accessories line of wallets, clutches and bags.

“After the incredible experience of designing last season, I was so excited to once again partner with DANIER for a Spring 2012 collection. The goal of OBJECT by George Antonopoulos is to provide key pieces each season to complete a woman’s wardrobe. My overall inspiration for this collection was MODERN MOD, a fun and colourful follow-up to last season’s monochromatic assembly.”– George Antonopoulos, Designer

ABOUT DANIER

Since 1972, premier leather manufacturer and retailer, DANIER Leather Inc, has been providing its customers with the finest quality and workmanship at a price that affords exceptional value. For over a quarter century this iconic Canadian brand has grown to over 90 stores across Canada and into a household name. DANIER Leather Inc. goes beyond their design, manufacturing and retailing expertise with a continued commitment to supporting community and charitable organizations such as Plan Canada and The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers.

ABOUT GEORGE ANTONOPOULOS

As one of the most sought after fashion stylists in Canada and contributing fashion editor for Fashion Magazine, George is constantly in demand for his forward and inspired visual point of view. His unique and creative vision can be seen in advertising campaigns, fashion editorials and runway shows. George's artistic flair has graced the pages of prestigious magazines such as Fashion, Men's Fashion, Elle Canada, Flare, Manhattan Magazine and The Holt Renfrew Book. He has also lent his creative talent to fashion lines such as Donna Karan, Arthur Mendonca, Miss Rowe and Pink Tartan. George has had the pleasure of working with Emily Blunt, Iman, Shalom Harlow, Audrey Marnay, Nicole Ritchie, Milla Jovovich, Helena Christensen and Yasmin Warsame.

ABOUT PHILIP SPARKS

Philip Sparks Tailored Goods Inc. was founded in Toronto, Canada in 2007. The brand has a nostalgic feeling, referencing vintage details and classic tailoring, but a contemporary sensibility that connects with men and women looking for quality, fit and functional clothing they look sharp in every day. Designer Philip Sparks developed his interest in heritage tailoring in the design departments of the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada and the Stratford Festival. Today, he draws inspiration from found photographs, Canada’s great outdoors and vintage fabrics, hardware and notions. All clothing and accessories are proudly made in Canada by specialized manufacturers, leather workers and knitters. He also produces a collection of men's Philip Sparks Tailored Goods Inc. footwear that is sold exclusively through his Toronto shop and online at PhilipSparks.com/Shop.

Studio Sessions October

2011-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to shop or visit our Trunk Shop Tuesdays through Saturdays at I Miss You (63 Ossington Ave., Toronto, Canada).

Studio photography by Jenna Wakani

Product photography by Bryan Lockyer

Hair by Tamara Gibson

Makeup by Karleigh Johnstone

Models: Sam and Madison at Elmer Olsen

Ossington Trunk Shop Buys

2011-10-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Paws for the Cause

2011-10-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

A few months ago the Paws for the Cause team asked us if we would like to present our fall collection as part of their annual fundraiser benefitting the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund. We said yes and they paired us up with Babies & Beasts, another Toronto-based company that creates a smart line of dog coats and sweaters.

This past weekend, the (human) models for the show came by the studio for their fittings and now the event is just one week away. That means it's time to buy your ticket (just $99 for a pretty sweet spread including music by guest DJ Dave Monks of Tokyo Police Club) and come on down to Airship 37 (37 Parliament) on October 27 for the dogwalk spectacle.

Ossington Trunk Shop Opening

2011-10-19T05:50:00.001-07:00

Photos snapped with Olympus' new E-PM1 PEN Mini.

Philip Sparks' guide to Ossington

2011-10-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

Trunk Shop number two opens on Ossington this Tuesday. Here’s our guide some of our neighbours on one of the city’s best retail and restaurant strips.

Crafted by Te Aro

Forget standard brewing. Crafted by Te Aro gets the most out of its single origin beans with an arsenal of espresso machines and siphons.

135 Ossington, 877-558-3276, te-aro.ca

Delux

Chef Corrina Mozo won over Toronto foodie taste buds by layering cider cured pork shoulder, gruyere and grainy mustard into the city’s best Cubano sandwich.

92 Ossington, 416-537-0134, deluxrestaurant.ca

Golden Turtle

This Ossington institution serves perfectly satisfying pho and lots of other budget-friendly Vietnamese dishes.

125 Ossington, 416-531-1601

I Miss You

Our host for October’s Trunk Shop Julie Yoo meticulously merchandises her vintage boutique with designer pieces and more affordable finds plus an amazing selection of jewellery and accessories from the 1960s and 70s.

63 Ossington, 416-916-7021

Ideal Coffee

A bright and humble coffee shop where locals spend afternoons on their laptops sipping lattes made with Ideal’s sweet but substantial house roast.

162 Ossington, 416-534-7700, idealcoffees.com

Jonathan + Olivia

Style central for buzzy international labels like Alexander Wang, Barbour, Engineered Garments, Surface to Air and Isabel Marant.

49 Ossington, 416-849-5956, jonathanandolivia.com

LAB Consignment

Owner Lauren Baker shares her space with vintage purveyors Silver Falls and Chosen.

15 Ossington, 416-302-6739, labconsignment.com

The Lakeview

Try the triple grilled cheese or fish and chips at this recently reinvented diner just off Ossington.

1132 Dundas West, 416-530-0871, thelakeviewrestaurant.ca

Pizzeria Libretto

The sometimes hours-long lineup for Libretto’s Neapolitan pies tells you everything you need to know about the crispiness of their thin crusts and the freshness of classic toppings like San Marzano tomatoes and Fiori di Latte mozzarella.

221 Ossington, 416-532-8000, pizzerialibretto.com

Reposado

The bar scene on Ossington is booming but we always end up sipping tequila at Reposado.

136 Ossington, 416-532-6474, reposadobar.com

Virginia Johnson

Print master and illustrator Virginia Johnson creates an instantly recognizable collection of shawls, bedding, bags and more.

132 Ossington, 416-516-3366, virginiajohnson.com

Trunk Shopping on Ossington

2011-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last month we launched our Trunk Shop, a travelling store that we're creating with some of our favourite Toronto retailers this fall. It's a way to bring the full collection of menswear, womenswear and accessories to different neighbourhoods and shoppers in the city as well as promote other businesses that connect with our sense of Canadian design and nostalgia.

For October, we're collaborating with I MISS YOU on Ossington. We'll be taking over a storefront next to Julie Yoo's boutique from Tuesday, October 18 to Sunday, October 23 and mixing her collection of vintage clothing and accessories with our fall stock.

The store will be open Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 6 pm, Thursday to Saturday noon to 8 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Hope to see you there.

Pop Up press

2011-09-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and shopped our first Trunk Shop at SMASH last week. And thanks for all the great press coverage:

National Post: Philip Sparks opening five-day Trunk Shop at SMASH

Toronto Life: Philip Sparks is taking his fall/winter 2011 collection on the road, starting at SMASH in the Junction

IWantIGot: Philip Sparks Trunk Shop - September 21 - 25

Sweetspot.ca: Things to Do in Toronto: Philip Sparks Trunk Shop

fab Magazine: Philip Sparks goes west

PostCity: Philip Sparks launches his first trunk shop at SMASH

Front Row Mag: Philip Sparks Pop-Up shop Toronto

We're already working on pop up #2. Details coming soon...

Studio Sessions September

2011-09-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to shop or visit our showroom shop Thursdays through Saturdays between noon and 6 pm at The Burroughes Building (639 Queen St. West, suite 5005, Toronto, Canada).

Studio photography by Jenna Wakani

Product photography by Bryan Lockyer

Hair by Tamara Gibson

Makeup by Karleigh Johnstone

Models: Sam and Madison at Elmer Olsen

Junction Trunk Shop Buys

2011-09-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Junction Trunk Shop Opening

2011-09-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

We're at SMASH (2880 Dundas St. West at Keele St.) until Sunday, September 25. Hope to see you here.

Photos by Jenna Wakani

Junction postcards

2011-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our Junction Trunk Shop opens at SMASH tomorrow...

Philip Sparks’ guide to the Junction

2011-09-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our Trunk Shop at SMASH in the Junction opens this Wednesday and we’ve compiled a neighbourhood guide to some of our favourite west end spots to check out when you come visit.

The Beet Organic Café

Breakfast, lunch and dinner doesn’t get much more eco-friendly than at The Beet where even the restaurant’s décor and takeout packaging is sustainable.

2945 Dundas West, 416-916-2368, thebeet.ca

Cool Hand of a Girl

This cute café is a great, wholesome lunch stop in the Junction. Try the tarragon chicken sandwich on organic multi-grain toast.

2804 Dundas West, 416-832-1076, coolhandofagirl.com

Delight Organic Fair Trade Chocolate

Two Christmases ago, we collaborated with Delight on our first pop-up project. Owners Jeff Brown and Jennifer Rashleigh’s rich hot chocolate fueled us throughout the weekend.

3040 Dundas West, 416-760-9995, delightchocolate.ca

Margret

DJ Anna O, who spins at our fashion shows and will be putting together the playlist for the Trunk Shop’s opening night, introduced us to this laidback lounge spot.

2952 Dundas West, 416-762-3373

Mjolk

The brass pot stands by Futagami are a favourite from Mjolk’s mix of Scandinavian and Japanese design buys. The Universe trivet in the top left corner sits proudly on Philip’s kitchen table at home.

2959 Dundas West, 416-551-9853, mjolk.ca

Mrs. Huizenga

Catherine Huizenga’s Roncesvalles store is a great vintage source (especially, hint hint, for beautiful old glass holiday ornaments) and now she’s opened a second Junction location featuring larger furniture pieces, light fixtures and home accessories.

387 Keele, 416-604-4286, mrshuizenga.com

Opticianado

At eyewear shop Opticianado, you’ll find new frames from names like Oliver Peoples, Andy Wolf and Yellows Plus in addition to an amazing selection of never-worn vintage specs.

2919 Dundas West, 416-604-2020, opticianado.com

Russet & Empire

Pick up great gift buys like Lomography cameras, Kikkerland radios and IMM Living ceramics at this boutique on Keele, just north of Dundas.

390 Keele, 416-649-0042, russetandempire.com

SMASH

We picked up some great reclaimed furniture and industrial accessories from SMASH when we first opened our showroom and stop by often to see what new finds owner Paul Mercer had brought in.

2880 Dundas West, 416-762-3313, smash.to

Vesuvio

The Pugliese family has been serving up New York-style pies from their west end pizzeria since 1957.

3010 Dundas West, 416-763-4191, vesuviospizza.com

Philip Sparks Trunk Shop

2011-09-15T07:44:00.001-07:00

We're opening our first Trunk Shop (think "pop up" but on-the-move) at SMASH in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood on Wednesday, September 21. The retail space, created with the salvage design destination’s owner Paul Mercer, will be open for five days only and feature an edited selection of fall menswear, womenswear and accessories.

SMASH opened its 4300 square foot showroom in Toronto’s west end in 2008 and quickly built up a reputation as a must-shop for antique furniture, industrial fixtures and unique art pieces. The Trunk Shop will mix those elements with the Philip Sparks collection to create a one-of-a-kind retail experience.

HOURS:
Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm

Fall Internship

2011-08-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

We have a soft spot for our interns, mostly because we’ve always been blessed with amazing assistants who bring a committed sense of hard work, raw talent and curiosity to an unpaid position while juggling school, other jobs and life.

If that sounds like you and you’re interested in apprenticing at Philip Sparks in the fall, we’re looking for two design interns to join the company from September through December 2011.

You need to be able to commit to 10 hours divided over two days in our downtown Toronto studio per week. The design intern is involved in product development, manufacturing, cutting and fusing. There are also lots of errands to run, phones to answer and occasional heavy lifting involved in the position.

If you’re interested, please e-mail a cover letter and resume with the subject heading “Internship” to info@philipsparks.com by Friday, September 2. No phone calls please. The positions will begin the week of September 12.

Flare Magazine - 11.09

2011-08-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our Italian mountain sheep shearling collar (bottom right) in the September issue of Flare Magazine.

Peroni Party

2011-07-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Fashion boosting beer brand (and Philip Sparks sponsor) Peroni hosted its annual summer bash on July 13. The Terrazza di Peroni event recreated Capri at Malaparte, the roof terrace on top of the Toronto International Film Festival Group's Ligthbox headquarters, complete with a bocce ball court, pistachio gelato and music by Juno-nominated Pacifika. Some pictures from the party are below.

The view from the top.

Andrew Sardone, Peroni's brand whiz Sarah Waldock and Philip Sparks.

The bocce court.

Guests, including IWantIGot's Anita Clarke front and centre in her juicy orange blazer, filling up the rooftop.

Pacifika performs at the top of the roof's amphitheatre steps.

Sample Sale Final Day - Take an additional 10% off

2011-07-24T05:34:00.001-07:00

SAMPLE SALE!

2011-07-18T08:10:00.001-07:00

Our summer sample sale starts this Thursday (July 21) and runs until Sunday (July 24) in the showroom and online a PhilipSparks.com/Shop.

DaLish Pop Up

2011-07-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Our friends at DaLish cosmetics are hosting a pop up shop in the Jessica Jensen studio at the Burroughes Building today through Sunday. A selection of our on-sale spring/summer womenswear will also be available. Hope to see you there.

Toronto Star - 11.06.16

2011-06-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Star's annual Best Dressed list is out today and "21st Century Dandy" Jano Badovinac made the cut in our turquoise linen blazer.

A Peroni with...

2011-06-15T09:41:00.001-07:00

Peroni and Sharp Magazine are collaborating on a series of profiles and they asked Philip to be their first subject. Click HERE to check out photos, video and the interview from the shoot.

Summer Sale on now!

2011-06-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Shop our best deals of the season for MENSWEAR and WOMENSWEAR online now!

Philip Sparks X I Want I Got X Textstyles

2011-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last night, Textstyles' Stefania Yarhi threw a party at NSC Gallery to celebrate her website's 3rd birthday. As part of the festivities, she asked some of her favourite designers to outfit some of her favourite dressers for a fashion show that kicked off the event.

We were flattered to be included on Yarhi's list and asked IWantIGot's Anita Clarke to model for us. She wore a limited edition version of spring's signature shirt dress in a light yellow and graphite plaid.

Anita brought along lots of accessories to pair with the dress. She ended up adding on a Marni cuff, a yellow pearl necklace and yellow Aldo wedges.

The plaid used for the shirtdress was originally from our Spring 2009 menswear collection. While we don't normally endorse "couples" dressing, Philip decided to wear a shirt in the same fabric to the party.

If you're interested in trying on the dress, it's available exclusively at our Showroom Shop, open every Saturday from noon to 6 pm at the Burroughes Building (639 Queen West, 5th floor) in Toronto.

UPDATE: Anita uploaded a video of the fashion show this afternoon. Check it out below. She takes the runway around the five minute mark.

Showroom shopping

2011-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

When we moved our studio into the Burroughes Building almost three years ago, we thought it might be a good idea to open the showroom on Saturday afternoon to shoppers. We paid a little extra attention to designing a retail-friendly space (including a changeroom), had a sandwich board made to discreetly hint at our headquarters all the way up on the fifth floor and waited to see if customers would show up.

And they did. Our growing Showroom Shop following tells us they ride the elevator up to our studio during limited hours because the space really represents the collection's sense of tailoring and nostalgia (some of the most handsome models in our collection of vintage, working sewing machines fill the room) and it's where they can shop the entire collection, including signature pieces that may not have been picked up by other stores.

If you're curious about checking out the showroom, some photos of its setup for spring are below. Or stop by any Saturday between noon and 6 pm. We're at 639 Queen St. West (suite 5005 on the 5th floor), just east of Bathurst.

P.S. We also host monthly shopping events and our seasonal sample sales in the Showroom Shop. To make sure you hear about the events, join our mailing list by e-mailing men@philipsparks.com or women@philipsparks.com.

The Cottage Life

2011-05-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, wet spring in Toronto but this weekend we escaped to Georgian Bay and prayed for, at least, one day of sun. We got it and then some. Here are some shots from up north plus some cottage-ready picks from the spring collection.

Our women's navy gingham oxford shirt has a pair of longer tails in the front. You can tie them up or leave them hanging for more of a tunic look. We have men's gingham shirting options too. Minus the tails.

Making sure you don't spend the entire cottage weekend reclining with a magazine in one hand and a tortilla chip piled high with guacamole in the other is always tough. Hiking helps and our destination is usually this inland lake created by a family of industrious beavers.

We wore our khaki work chinos all weekend including on the hike. Rivets on the leg and pocket seams help prevent rips when you're scaling a giant granite boulder.

Unfortunately, they don't have an elasticized waistband, which would have come in handy considering the amount of dessert that was consumed over three days. The best berry Pavlova is above.

Cheddar and apple scones.

Blackberry clafoutis.

This is a shot of the chilly water of the small bay looking towards Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Believe it or not, we swam. Unfortunately, we forgot our fishing licenses at home.

Our first women's shoulder bag in buffalo leather isn't cottage-related per se but it is a miniature version of our men's tackle bag from the Spring 2010 Gone Fishing collection.

The fog and the rain eventually rolled in.

Less lazy soles may have braved the elements in our nylon anorak (also available in khaki)...

...but we played board games instead. This is Settlers of Catan.

Aberfoyle Weekend

2011-05-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

About an hour's drive west of Toronto is Aberfoyle, a town known for its amazing antique market. The grounds are usually open on Sundays but two Saturdays every year the permanent vendors' cabins and lean-tos are joined by travelling sellers who double your chances of finding great furniture, industrial curiosities and more.

Luckily, the sun was shining this weekend so we hit the road to pick up some new, old finds. Here are some shots from the day:

We ended the day at High Park's annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Last year, it's where we snapped the cherry blossom print that's on this season's signature jumper.

National Post - 11.04.30

2011-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing

We survey the country's tastemakers to find out what they most crave this season.

Read the full story HERE.

Short Sale this weekend

2011-04-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to shop Men's shorts. Click HERE to shop Women's shorts.

Fashionista.com - 11.04.01

2011-04-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

The Fashion Spot - 11.03.30

2011-04-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

NOW Magazine - 11.03.28

2011-04-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

IWantIGot.com - 11.03.28

2011-04-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

The Backseat Stylers - 11.03.26

2011-04-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Sweetspot.ca - 11.03.25

2011-04-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

It's All Style To Me - 11.03.23

2011-04-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Toronto Star - 11.03.23

2011-04-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Fashionism.ca - 11.03.23

2011-04-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Textstyles - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

TorontoLife.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Sidewalk Hustle - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Plaid Magazine - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Peroni Moda Files - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

GlobeandMail.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

FLARE.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

FashionMagazine.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T13:59:00.001-07:00

FashionMagazine.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

EyeWeekly.com - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

BlogTO - 11.03.22

2011-04-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

FashionTelevision.com - 11.03.20

2011-04-09T13:50:00.001-07:00

Read the full story HERE.

Toronto Standard Launch

2011-04-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our newest neighbour, the Toronto Standard, launched last night with a bash at the Burroughes Building. Here’s what to look for on the site:

Toronto Standard is a daily digital briefing on the life of the city, covering urban affairs, business, technology, culture and design — and all the sparks that happen in between.

The Standard lived once before, publishing as a newspaper between 1848-1850. When our predecessor shut its presses, Toronto was a trading village of 23,000. There were no izakayas or charcuterie restaurants, people drove horses and it was still possible to contract rickets. How things have changed. Now we have dog bakeries and yerba mate cafés, smart phones and smart buildings. We don’t care much whether people call today’s Toronto a “world class city”, though we do know that it’s a global city. As such, the Standard provides a forum to look at life in other cities, and the challenges big urban centres face in the 21st century.

Now headquartered in the handsomely restored Burroughes Building, a Queen West landmark, the Standard presents provocative blend of reporting, interviews, commentary and video documentary that explores Toronto as a hub of creativity and innovation — while never afraid to give the city the kick in the pants it sometimes deserves.

We can’t wait to spend some time catching up on its great lineup of columnists and features.

Fall 2011 Presentation Video

2011-04-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Watching everyone who watched our Fall 2011 presentation on March 21, 2011 at The Burroughes Building in Toronto. Filmed by Olympus Canada with the PEN E-PL2 camera's Diorama art filter.

Check out the Philip Sparks channel on YouTube for more videos.

Olympus presents Fall 2011 Behind-the-scenes with Philip Sparks

2011-04-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

This season, we collaborated with Olympus to offer you more behind-the-scenes access to our fashion show than ever before. Five insiders, including designer Philip Sparks, IWantIGot’s Anita Clarke, model Seamus Morrison, hair and makeup artist Claudine Baltazar and contest winner Robert Dziobon, each received Olympus’ new PEN E-PL2 camera and unlimited access to shoot a photo diary of their Fall 2011 presentation experience.

Our final gallery was photographed by Philip. For more images and outtakes, check out Olympus’ fan page on Facebook.

But we're not done yet. Check back on Monday when we'll be debuting the video Olympus shot at the event. We promise it's not your usual runway recording.

Philip checking out his own shots on the E-PL2

Grant Heaps' much buzzed about wildlife tapestries.

Claudine working on Elmer Olsen model Mike.

Waiting for hair and makeup.

Elmer Olsen's Gavin, who walked in our very first show nine seasons ago.

Olympus presents Fall 2011 Behind-the-scenes with our contest winner

2011-03-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

Our fourth gallery was photographed by Robert Dzioban who won the opportunity to be part of our insider team, two tickets to the presentation and a Town Shoes gift certificate. For more images and outtakes, check out Olympus’ fan page on Facebook.

Lights set up on the 6th floor of the Burroughes Building pre-show.

A pair of vintage skates hang on our installation.

Model legs and shoes backstage.

Philip's hanging light fixtures.

Models pose with Philip post show.

The presentation room at the end of the night.

Olympus presents Fall 2011 Behind-the-scenes with Anita Clarke

2011-03-30T07:23:00.001-07:00

Our third gallery was photographed by IWantIGot's Anita Clarke. For more images and outtakes, check out Olympus’ fan page on Facebook.

Anita.

The pre-show frenzy backstage.

The pre-show calm in the presentation room...

...didn't last for long.

A closeup of the season's maple leaf photo print.

Of The Now's Caroline Shaheed and Magnet Creative's Gail McInnes.

FASHION's Rani Sheen with Philip.

Olympus presents Fall 2011 Behind-the-scenes with Claudine Baltazar

2011-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our second gallery was photographed by Plutino Group's Claudine Baltazar. For more images and outtakes, check out Olympus’ fan page on Facebook.

Claudine Baltazar.

Lined up and ready to take the catwalk.

The installation.

The collection's signature scarf, inspired by a traditional Ontario blanket.

Fall 2011 details.

Philip being interviewed after the show.

Olympus presents Fall 2011 Behind-the-scenes with model Seamus Morrison

2011-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

This season, we collaborated with Olympus to offer you more behind-the-scenes access to our fashion show than ever before. Five insiders, including designer Philip Sparks, IWantIGot’s Anita Clarke, model Seamus Morrison, hair and makeup artist Claudine Baltazar and contest winner Robert Dziobon, each received Olympus’ new PEN E-PL2 camera and unlimited access to shoot a photo diary of their Fall 2011 presentation experience.

We will be posting a different gallery each day this week, starting with Elmer Olsen model Seamus’ perspective below. For more images and outtakes, check out Olympus’ fan page on Facebook.

Model Seamus Morrison.

The pre-show scene backstage.

Models Lauren, Kelly and Justin getting coiffed.

Our cache of Hamilton watches.

Model rehearsal.

Damien, Seamus and Sam after the show.

Fall 2011 Guests

2011-03-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Room's Nicholas Mellamphy and the National Post's Nathalie Atkinson.

Samra Habib and Textstyles' Stefania Yarhi.

Toronto Life's Fraser Abe.

FLARE's Dane Tredway, Mosha Lundström-Halbert and Erin O'Brien.

IWantIGot's Anita Clarke.

David Chang, Holt Renfrew's Natalie Lecomte and designer Jeremy Laing.

Sarah Magwood, Briony Smith and Cat Essiambre.

DJ Anna O.

Stylist Alon Freeman and the Globe and Mail's Tiyana Grulovic.

FASHIONMagazine.com's Randi Bergman.

Photos by Jenna Wakani.

Fall 2011 Sponsors

2011-03-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

We couldn't stage our presentations without the support of our amazing circle of sponsors. Here's who was on the team this season.

Guests mingling on the sixth floor of the Burroughes Building before the show.

From our program:

Queen Street Partners and its Managing Partner Lee Polydor demonstrate a proven track record of creating value and deploying investor capital into future neighbourhoods and brands before they are broadly recognized. The group has been integral to the growth of Philip Sparks.

All 24 of our models wore handsome timepieces from the Hamilton collection.

From our program:

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. At the Philip Sparks Fall 2011 presentation, Hamilton debuts its new Pulsomatic watch, a digital timepiece with futuristic design. The Pulsomatic is a re-invention of the iconic Hamilton Pulsar, the first ever LED digital watch.

Guests received MAVEA's Fill 'n Go water bottles, filled with pitchers from its new Garden Party colour range.

From our program:

MAVEA's Fill 'n Go water bottle helps you take healthy hydration with you wherever you go. The stainless steel, German-engineered bottle reflects the brand's commitment to superior quality filtered water and a design focused lifestyle.

Model Seamus, Philip and contest winner Robert Dziobon with Olympus' E-PL2 cameras.

Guests sipping Peroni...

...and Henkell Rosé.

Stylist Alon Freeman with some of our Elmer Olsen models.

Plutino's Claudine Baltazar touches up Meagan's makeup.

Our indispensable PR team from Brill.

Philip with Crissi Giamos and Ron King from Town Shoes.

We worked with SMASH to create the presentation set.

Our neighbour Design Republic provided the furniture for the Hamilton lounge.

Photos by Jenna Wakani.

Fall 2011 Presentation

2011-03-23T10:38:00.001-07:00

Photos by Jenna Wakani

Grant Heaps tapestries

2011-03-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Another season wrapped! We'll be posting a series of galleries from last night's Fall 2011 presentation over the next two weeks but thought you'd like to have a sneak peek at the backdrops everyone was tweeting about last night. The tapestries were meticulously created by Grant Heaps and have previously been seen at MADE's Radiant Dark design show and hanging in the bar at the Gladstone Hotel. We're grateful Grant let us borrow them for the evening and that so many people fell in love with the pieces.

Fall 2011 playlist

2011-03-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to DJ Anna O for putting together another great presentation mix. Here's the music our models walked to at the Fall 2011 show that just wrapped up in Toronto.

A look back at our first show

2011-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

It's show day! And after spending the weekend building our set, finalizing details with our amazing team of sponsors and going over every last piece of clothing with the steamer and a lint roller, we're a bit nostalgic for simpler times, like our very first presentation four years ago.

The year was 2007 and the location was Boutique Le Trou, Canadian fashion cheerleader Marlene Shiff's chic shop at Queen and Shaw. Marlene let us empty the store into its basement and we created a narrow runway for about 100 guests. The bar served Prosecco and Port cocktails and our cast of six (yes, six) models courtesy of Gail at B&M had to make some quick changes in the teensy back office.

Before the first model hit the catwalk, we received our first piece of major press, a profile in the National Post by Nathalie Atkinson featuring images of our first campaign shot by Mary-Theresa Lawlor on the Wallace Street Bridge in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood. Click on the image of the story below for a closer read.

Hamilton features Pulsomatic and Jazzmaster watches at Fall 2011 show

2011-03-19T12:17:00.001-07:00

We’re excited to have Hamilton co-present our fashion show for another season. The brand’s vintage-inspiration and long history makes it a perfect fit for the nostalgic feeling of our collection and the watches our models wear during the presentation always add a little something extra to their looks.

In addition to the Khaki, American Classic, Boulton, Ventura and other timepieces guests will spy on our models’ wrists, Hamilton will be featuring two watches at Monday's event: the Pulsomatic and Jazzmaster Ladies 27 mm.

Here is some background on the models from Hamilton:

Pulsomatic

The year 2010 marked the fortieth birthday of the world’s first LED digital watch, made by Hamilton. The American brand celebrated the invention of the technology that revolutionized the watch industry with the new Hamilton Pulsomatic, a digital timepiece with futuristic design. This watch fuels the spirit of the digital age with Swiss craftsmanship in the form of an automatic movement, to appeal to wearers who love the fact that time never stands still.

Click HERE for more info.

Jazzmaster Ladies 27mm

Hamilton has always known what women want. In 1908, the American brand introduced its first wristwatches in response to the fact that female fashion of the era did not embrace waistcoats with pockets suitable for carrying watches. Hamilton has remained closely in touch with its feminine side ever since. The contemporary ladies timepieces combine beauty and reliability without a trace of contradiction, harmoniously morphing yesterday into today.

Fall 2011 casting

2011-03-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Burroughes Building was filled with Elmer Olsen models last Saturday when we held the casting for next week’s Fall 2011 show. We met up with some familiar faces and experimented with different looks on the new recruits.

We bundled the gentlemen up in layers of crisp shirting and hand knit sweaters but couldn’t help but feel vertically-challenged next to the women as they strutted by in trim pants, tailored blouses and their own elevator heels.

You’ll see which models made the cut this Monday when they debut next season’s collection on the runway.

Five seasons at The Burroughes

2011-03-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Our Fall 2011 show is coming up in less than a week and this season will mark our fifth presentation at The Burroughes Building. When the opportunity came up to move our studio from a (how should we put this?) much less refined spot on Spadina in the city’s garment district, it was a dream come true. The Burroughes had been at the top of our wish list of studio locations for years.

It was just us and one other tenant in the building when we moved in on the fifth floor in November 2008. Now the Burroughes is a creative hub full of design firms, interactive outfits, media companies and our fashion friends Rock-It Promotions and Jessica Jensen.

We would be fashion show homeless without the sixth floor loft space where we stage our presentations every sixth months. It has amazing views over the city and a beautiful raw, industrial feeling that is now synonymous with the Philip Sparks look. So with a giant thank you to Lee Polydor, Queen Street Partners and the team at the Burroughes, here’s a look back at our first four events in the space.

Our first Burroughes fashion show for Fall 2009.

The Spring 2010 backdrop was vintage signs from when the building was King Sol, an outdoor gear store.

For Fall 2010, we made the switch from a full catwalk show to a presentation format.

We added womenswear for Spring 2011 and played up the building's industrial feeling with a set made of shipping pallets covered in chip board.

FLARE.com - 11.03.14

2011-03-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fall 2011 lookbook shoot

2011-03-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

By Brad Whitehouse

After spending a freezing afternoon in High Park last month photographing the Fall 2011 campaign, we kept warmer on day two of the shoot on the sixth floor of the Burroughes Building.

Elmer Olsen models Seamus and Kelly rocked some tailored (and very warm) wool coats with collars made of Italian mountain sheep shearling. Mckenzie James was the man behind the lens and Judy Inc.’s Alon Freeman was on hand to style. Plutino’s Claudine Baltazar coiffed Kelly’s hair into a modern beehive, and tousled Seamus’s locks into a devil-may-care shag.

I wish we had a photo of the silk dresses and skirts custom printed from photos Philip snapped. You’ll just have to wait until next week’s show to catch a glimpse of those numbers.

Contest!

2011-03-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

We're hosting a contest to attend our Fall 2011 presentation on March 21 with Olympus and Town Shoes. Send your name and e-mail address to contest@philipsparks.com to enter by March 13.