Common Criminals
ABDI OLOW
Presumed-to-be “Petty Thieves” and “Common Criminals” bring an unexpected suavity to Philip Sparks’ latest menswear creations for Fall 2008.
We have seen many a homegrown talent (the likes of Joeffer Caoc, Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared, and Jeremy Laing) reach new heights in the fashion industry and grow stronger over the years. With orders from Holt Renfrew and other boutiques across the nation — not to mention his latest venture with Town Shoes — Toronto-based menswear designer Philip Sparks is headed in the same direction, and with a good start.
Showcasing his latest creations at L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto, Sparks cited Mark Michaelson's book Least Wanted, which featured presumed-to-be petty thieves and common criminals looking very suave and well put together as his inspiration. Beaver coat collars, long jackets, cardigans, vests, and mittens — all very fitting for a Canadian winter — were impressive highlights.
In an interview with GLOSS after his showing, Sparks noted how he hopes to expand his menswear line as he further develops his Philip Sparks brand. “I hope to add elements to the collection each season, as well as build relationships with retailers in other cities. I hope to eventually build a global men’s lifestyle brand, which covers everything that a man can wear or carry with him when he walks out the door,” he said.
Sparks also revealed how an account with his latest venture, Holt Renfrew, would expose his line to a whole new group of shoppers. |
