Canadian former costume designer Philip Sparks took inspiration from Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" for his sixth collection. Keeping in line with the sea-faring theme, Sparks presented his collection to a packed Toronto audience using industrial fixtures, wooden crates and heavy ropes as props to set the stage for the show featuring brawned-up models. There are checked cotton dress shirts, black brushed-canvas jeans, double-knit henleys and cardigans, as well as some nice tweed pieces -blazer, waistcoat and pants- with perfectly piped pockets. The real star of the show was the outerwear, which offer options for customers who want a twist on standard-issue urban staples. Swap a peacoat for Philip Sparks' melton cape coat or a motorcycle jacket for the black suede skipper. Also of note are a pair of beautifully detailed cargo shirts done in black and navy cashmere and a sharp squarish black leather bag with heavy-duty hardware that will have you reconsider the backpack as a viable option for a work bag. The line is rooted in heirloom tailoring techniques twisted to create a nostalgic but modern piece. Classic menswear fabrics celebrate a bespoke tradition. A slim cut nipped in waist and unexpected accent cloths and details contemporize the collection. Which shows Sparks’ continual ability to develop, rework and refine concepts into clothing that is timeless and can be worn by the everyday man. His eye for detail and commitment to telling a story through his craft is outstanding and continues to impress the media, buyers and his admirers season after season.
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