The term “bathroom tissue couture” doesn’t seem like a concept that fits together in any way, shape or form; however, when you present an out-of-the-box notion like this to the fashion industry it develops and becomes a well-known event people anticipate eagaerly, such as the eighth annual White Cashmere Collection.

The designer line-up for the White Cashmere Collection has been announced naming 15 of Canada’s most innovative designers for the fall 2011 fashion show which will showcase gowns, menswear and accessories all made out of sheets of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue.

This yearly event helps to raises funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation where 25 cents from the sale of the White Cashmere Collection’s limited-edition, Pink Cashmere bathroom tissue goes directly to the foundation during breast cancer month in October.

Fashion designer and show producer, Farley Chatto was chosen as this year’s event curator bringing together the nation’s top design talent, such as Carrie Hayes, Wesley Badanjak, Christopher Paunil and Philip Sparks.

I always find it fascinating at the ability of these designers to take a fragile material, such bathroom tissue, and create it into clothing that can be worn – albeit for a brief moment.

Below I’ve listed my favourite designer sketches which gives you a glimpse of what to expect when they’ve finished developing their cashmere creations.

José-Manuel St-Jacques

I’m slightly changing the format of my reviews for Toronto Fashion Week; shortening the text so it’s easier to read and straighter to the point, as well as bring more focus on the footwear used in the runway shows this season; first up for assessment is Philip Sparks’ fall/winter 2011 collection.

Philip Sparks’ fall/winter 2011 collection

Philip Sparks’ presentation is one of the highlights for the fashion crowd in Toronto. He usually begins the season with what has been unofficially dubbed, “Rogue Fashion Week;” designers who choose to show independently from the Fashion Design Council of Canada, the organizing body that holds LG Fashion Week.

Sparks is the type of designer who has a clear design vision and aesthetic, and from covering his collection for the past several seasons there’s never a doubt he will show a cohesive line with well tailored pieces.

Design inspiration: the show notes state, “this collection celebrates Canadian winter with a focus on wool suiting and signature outerwear. Functional menswear... Women’s pieces feature pin tucking and exaggerated pleats.”

What I liked: Sparks always provides a lot of options to mix and match pieces within his collections. In my opinion, separates are the key to keep customers happy and make them come back season after season; it provides choice and price points people can work into their budget. My favourite pieces from his fall/winter 2011 collection are the maple leaf photo print cotton sateen blouse and skirt. Mine!

What I disliked: there’s really nothing to complain about. 

Footwear: Town Shoes provided the footwear for the evening, leather boots for men and women with the occasional high heel thrown in for good measure. The shoes were mainly of a neutral colour palette; black, brown and tan, and mostly flats – comfy yet very important. It was a crowded night and I didn’t get to take pictures of the footwear for fear of being trampled over, but take my word when I say the shoes worked well with the collection.

For more information about Philip Sparks visit his website here: http://www.philipsparks.com/

Contest closes March 13, 2011.

Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: #5005, 639 Queen Street West, Toronto

View Larger Map

Canadian menswear and womenswear designer, Philip Sparks is having a holiday sale this weekend. “Shop limited edition menswear and accessories, sample holiday refreshments and enjoy 25% off perfect presents for you and yours.”

Date/Time: Saturday, December 4th, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St. West, Suite 5005, Toronto, ON

View Larger Map

When a fashion designer makes a new venture into clothing it’s often met with a mixture of emotions; anticipation, hesitation and a high level of interest. What will it look like? How much will it cost? And most importantly, will it look good?

This season menswear designer, Philip Sparks premiered his long awaited womenswear line turning his eyes to the female form.

Now branding his clothing creations under the name Philip Sparks Tailored Goods Inc., Sparks presented his latest designs to a packed crowd in the Burroughs Building and showed not one but two collections – menswear and womenswear.

On the runway

I wasn’t expecting to see any menswear at Spark’s spring 2011 presentation, but it was a welcomed treat and makes complete sense; there’s no reason why he shouldn’t show his tailoring talents for both sexes simultaneously. In total there were 21 looks “inspired by early spring rain” which comes through in a “watery colour palette” of earth tones and layered pieces.

The womenswear line evokes a feeling of quiet spring time in the woods, early in the morning away from the craziness of city life. Cherry blossom photo prints imprinted on a blouse and jumper, and a turquoise plaid shirtdress are visual stand out pieces. While Sparks’s cigarette pants, high waisted jeans and turquoise cotton blazer are wardrobe staples.

The menswear collection is classic Sparks – strong and outdoorsy with a vintage feel as seen in a plaid trench coat and oxford shirt, and pin cord blazer.

The clothing up close and personal

Information provided by Philip Sparks Tailored Goods Inc.

This past week I was reading through several fashion blogs when I came across Philip Sparks’ blog and discovered he (or the person who takes care of his site) re-posted my review of his fall/winter 2010 collection. Woot!

Blogging can sometimes be a one-sided activity; you never know who reads your writing or whether they like what you’re saying. Guess I must be doing something right.

Thank you Philip for the kind mention, I’m flattered.

You can read my review of Philip Sparks’ fall/winter 2010 collection here.