When it comes to fashion, usually, I’m the one taking le boyfriend to parties and events. Not this time. This time, he entered the Philips Sparks Fashion Show Experience Contest…and won! Which meant that he could bring me backstage with him, so see the magic as it was happening! Such a lovely surprise…and WINNING!

Anyway…silliness aside, I arrived at the Burroughes building full of high hopes – it is Philip Sparks we’re talking about afterall. His first womenswear collection was a huge hit, and seeing his kick-ass cherry blossom printed jumpsuit on Anita of I Want –  I Got, I wondered whether he could give us something to covet once again…And after seeing his Fall 2011 collection, I’m delighted that his foray into womenswear was no one-hit wonder. 

From head to toe, both male and female models looked rosy-cheeked, fresh and ready for a Canadian winter. Philips Sparks’ signature plaid was present, as was his newest obsession  – original prints. While Spring 2011 was full of cherry blossoms, Fall 2011 was all about the rust-colored maple leafs (not the hockey team, thank goodness!). Another highlight of the collection was the abundance of shearling on muffs, collars, and hats – perfect for our winters – so old school, and yet somehow it felt brand new.

But the definite showstopper, for me at least, was the Janelle Monae-esque lady tux. If anyone is looking for a Best (Wo)man outfit, this is it! Pair it with some sparkly Brian Atwood pumps a la Anne Hathaway at the Oscars, and you’ve got yourself a WINNING combo!

Overall, I really enjoyed the presentation, and had a blast backstage, watching all of the fashion pros doing their thing – making the magic happen right before my eyes – from shoe selections, to makeup touch-ups, to Elmer Olsen stopping by to say hello to seemingly calm Philip Sparks and his models – it was almost intoxicating. The buzz from the showroom full of journos, complaining about too many bloggers, bloggers re-connecting with their friends, Toronto fashion celebs showing off their outlandish outfits, and photographers snapping photos feverishly, was all part of the scene from the first show of this season’s Rogue Fashion Week – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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