Introducing: Canadian Menswear Designer Christopher Bates

Designer Christopher Bates

Trained in Italy’s fashion capital Milan at legendary Instituto Marangoni, Toronto-based Christopher Bates is an intrepid designer achieving a meteoric rise in the fashion industry. His eponymous menswear line is gaining traction with retailers, consumers, media, stylists, and celebrities. Bates was featured as one of the top six leading menswear designers in Canada (Sharp Magazine, September 2009). Since launching his brand, he has been selling in leading Canadian boutiques including Toronto’s high-profile Gotstyle Menswear (voted #1 menswear store in Canada by Sharp Magazine, 2012).

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Start Up Program Final fashion show took place on October 23rd on the main runway at World MasterCard Toronto Fashion Week (October 22-26, 2012). Bates was the only menswear designer in the Final and competed against 7 emerging women’s wear designers from across Canada. The designer will receive additional mentoring from elite fashion professionals moving forward. Bates has lauded the program for helping raise his profile and increase demand for his line. “It’s a fantastic initiative. We had a chance to meet with a lot of really great industry professionals. Their advice is really invaluable for all aspects of my business development.” he says.

His Spring 2013 collection is titled “Dressed To Kill” and was inspired by the heroes and villains of classic 1960’s James Bond films. Focusing on his strongest pieces to date (leather jackets, stylish dress shirts, dressier denims, and contemporary tailored suiting), Bates promises to showcase a dynamic and cohesive collection designed to inspire today’s style-savvy man. Each look will be fully accessorized featuring Italian leather belts, duchess silk ties, and leather-trimmed suspenders. Christopher Bates would like to thank Town Shoes for sponsoring the footwear and Fossil Canada for generously providing Emporio Armani watches.

Bates’ fashion show at Mercedes Benz Start Up Final during Toronto Fashion Week this fall included a “Dressed To Kill” theme song produced by Stereotronique exclusively for his runway show. “Creating the appropriate atmosphere is critical; the music has to complement the clothing and add energy and excitement to the show”, explains the designer.

A sneak preview of the line (select items) hit Gotstyle Menswear on Friday, October 19th, shortly before the big show. The full collection will be in-store early in the New Year. In addition to Gotstyle Menswear in Toronto, Christopher Bates line is available at Channer’s in Waterloo, and Boutique Novo in Quebec City.

Christopher Bates line is for style-conscious individuals who possess a cultivated appreciation of designer fashion. Born and raised in Canada, trained in Milan and inspired by the European lifestyle, Bates’ approach to design is truly global and his line appeals to the growing number of fashionable men in cosmopolitan cities around the world.

His unique style evolves from the following elements: contemporary tailoring, elegant fabrics, clever details, quality construction, a tasteful color palette, and a unique blend of Scandinavian and Italian influences. He designs quality, lifestyle-oriented pieces with a distinctly European flair. Focusing on the smart-casual market, his dashing, urban looks are perfectly suited for evening, weekend and transition wear. All of his pieces are proudly made in Canada from the finest materials imported from Europe. Bates’ ultimate goal is to create a leading international designer fashion brand.

Design illustration by Christopher Bates

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Christopher Bates