Since discovering Christopher Bates last season at World MasterCard Fashion Week, the menswear brand has become one of my favorites. The designer’s attention to detail, fine tailoring and respect for masculinity in fashion are but a few of the reasons why I think Bates has accrued such success. He recently secured a spot in Holt Renfrew’s menswear department which is no small feat. Holt Renfrew is one of Canada’s largest retailers equal  to the United States’ SAKS 5th Avenue.

Bates presented his Spring / Summer 2014 collection in Toronto and of course I could not wait to speak to him after the show.

FWAC: What inspired this collection and the video you presented at the beginning of the show? 

CB: Well, I called this collection the Riviera Collection. I was inspired by a few trips to Monaco and the French and Italian Riviera and I wanted to bring a touch of that elegance to Canada.

FWAC: What’s the story behind your print and fabric direction for the season?

C.B: The print is an official US Navy camouflage. I just found the fabric and I really wanted to incorporate it into the collection. I wasn’t sure how well it was going to fit in but with all the blues that were going on, I think it was actually one of the stronger pieces in the collection. I used a lot of fabrics. In spring I tend to lean towards a lot of cottons, linens… I like natural fabrics, but I also used some lightweight piqué wools and perforated lamb suede, basically some really elegant fabrics.

FWAC: Since we last spoke, what new developments have taken place? 

CB: Probably, the biggest breakthrough is Holt Renfrew picking up my line. That really helped raised my profile, and I’ve also signed on with The Academy showroom. They will be exclusively representing my line in Canada starting in January with my next fall collection. Other than that, I’ve been doing great press, dressing more and more celebrities, getting good stores on board and really building some strong momentum.

FWAC: How did the Holt Renfrew deal come about?

CB: Well, I’ve been talking to them for a few seasons, and I think when I did the Mercedes’s Benz Start Up program that helped raised my profile. I got to meet Barbara Atkin, and kind of get my foot in the door that way. And then, like I said, we met for a couple of seasons and the timing was right, the collection was right. So now we are moving forward and it’s the proudest moment in my career.

FWAC: What are your must-haves for men this fall/winter?

CB: Merino wool knit sweaters and a beautiful top coat.Those are my two staples.

Stay Conscious & Chic!

 

 

Photo Credits: © Aleyah Solomon for Fashion With A Conscience.Â