My Jacket

Everywhere I go. People comment on my winter coat, and it's all positive. People ask me where I got it so here's the details about my coat.

It is a 100% wool jacket created by Toronto based menswear designer Phillip Sparks. I bought it at his sample sale in 2009. It was invitation only and lasted for one evening. Because my wife works in the industry, she got an invite. For those who are unaware, a sample sale is where fashion designers unload some of their older work so they can make room for their newer creations for the upcoming fashion season. The longer the clothes hang around the studio, the more discounted they become with each seasonal sale. Because I ended up saving $1100 on this beautiful piece, my wife pays attention to whenever Mr. Sparks has his sales.

The great thing about Phillip Sparks is his personal service. Buying the jacket was a pleasant experience. For some reason I have this perception that I wouldn't like fashion designers, but Phillip Sparks is a very classy dude. When I got there, the champagne was waiting and the jazz music (vinyl, might I add) was filling the room. And when I could not make his last sample sale due to being out of town he let me come in the next evening and have a look. I snagged myself an extremely discounted pair of handcrafted pants.

I always try to buy something because the value is incredible, and I love supporting local talent, especially if they are good enough to be on the international stage.