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| Look Book Photography by Matt Barnes |
Christopher Bates has become a design star within Canada. From being trained in Milan at Istituto Marangoni, to selling his collection in some of the world’s most recognized stores. The Designer seems to have everyone talking and wearing his designs. In tribute to the Second Season of Toronto Men’s Fashion Week, coming this February, I interviewed the designer with a Q&A on his up coming collection, rise to success and where he plans on taking the Christopher Bates brand in the near future.
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| Photograph by: Kareen Mallon of Elactrafire Studios. |
Q The Prep Guy: If there were three words to describe your brand, what would they be?
A Christopher Bates: Contemporary, Tailored, Detailed.
Q The Prep Guy: I would like congratulate you for you CAFA nomination for Menswear Designer of the Year. It seems that the Christopher Bates brand has been able to dominate the Canadian Luxury Market for Menswear over the past few years. When you launched the Christopher Bates brand did you expect the amount of success that it has received today?
A Christopher Bates: I wouldn’t say we’re dominating quite yet, but that is my objective in general. In terms of success I believe that if you work really hard at something for enough time success is inevitable.
Q The Prep Guy: Having trained in Milan, you must have been able to see the difference between how Italian Men and Canadian Men dressed. How would you describe that?
A Christopher Bates: Italian men, particularly in Milan, are among the best dressed in the world. They dress up with style every time they leave the house, even if it’s just to get groceries, and they do so seemingly effortlessly. They also understand fit. You simply don’t see baggy trousers or boxy jackets here. Ever.
Q The Prep Guy: The experiences that you have gained as a top Menswear designer, what advice would you give to the up and coming designers that will be showing at TOM*FW?
A Christopher Bates: I recommend finding a niche, targeting a specific market and remaining consistent. Basically, find something that works, that sells and then develop it further. The most successful designers, above all, are consistent and able to crate an identifiable design signature.
Q The Prep Guy: I know that this may be a top secret, but what can we expect from you FW15 show at TOM*FW this February?
A Christopher Bates: Lot’s of surprises. The main thing is that I’ll be presenting my first collection that was completely designed and produced in Italy. It’s a bigger collection and I’ve expanded into new categories including technical and quilted jackets and gilets. I’m working with some incredible mills and manufacturers here so you can expect the quality of materials and craftsmanship to be on another level.
Q The Prep Guy: In a perfect world, where do you see your brand being in the next 5 years?
A Christopher Bates: In 5 years I’d like to be vertically integrated and opening my own monobrand boutiques in top markets around the world.
Image of myself with Christopher Bates at Toronto Mens Fashion Week
For Further Information on Christopher Bates visit www.ChristopherBates.com
