ABOUT
BRAND FABRIC
The brand you choose to represent should also represent you.
What you wear—from the everyday to life’s most important occasions—becomes part of the thread that weaves together the fabric of your life. Clothing is a powerful form of self-expression. It can inspire confidence, communicate identity, and shape how you experience the world.
Our mission is to create beautiful clothing that helps you write your own story—in style.
Christopher Bates designs for individuals who are in their prime, regardless of age, background, gender, or identity. They live fully, dress instinctively, and have the confidence to stand apart. They are world travelers, mavericks, innovators, lovers, and leaders, united by a shared zest for life.
Inspired by the exceptional fabrics and artisanal Italian producers he works with, Christopher Bates’ commitment to quality and authenticity is absolute. This dedication, combined with his refined approach to timeless design, clever details, and bold colour, has established him as a master of modern tailoring and contemporary style.
“Every design is created to become a wardrobe staple or a go-to statement piece—something you will wear proudly for years.”
A rarity in fashion, the designer and the brand are genuinely united. Christopher Bates is the living expression of the brand, embodying its values through the way he designs, lives, and presents himself to the world.
He is dedicated to making you look your best; to make you feel your best.
This is the fabric of our brand.
THE DESIGNER
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Christopher Bates studied at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, one of the world’s renowned institutions for fashion, design, and art. Working under his own name, Bates has built a distinctive international brand defined by refined design, Italian craftsmanship, and a confident, contemporary point of view.
In 2014, he established his design studio in Milan, where he develops his collections in collaboration with exceptional Italian fabric mills, artisans, and manufacturers. His commitment to producing in Italy reflects his deep respect for the country’s tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation.
Bates approaches both design and life with an unmistakable sense of passion. Versatile, curious, and highly attentive to detail, he is particularly known for incorporating clever and unexpected design elements into his work. His inspirations range from anatomy, architecture, and geometry to the culinary arts and other creative disciplines. His ultimate style icon is Sean Connery’s James Bond: timeless, sophisticated, confident, and effortlessly masculine.
His collections are carried by influential retailers including Gotstyle, VOYO Boutique, The 101 Story, Boutique Le Costumier Et Nex, and Agriculture Custom Clothier's.
SELECTED AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
- Canadian Menswear Designer of the Year, Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards — 2019
- Visionary Award, Fashion Group International — 2018
- Notable Award Nominee for Fashion in Canada, Notable — 2014 and 2015
- Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential People, Alberta Youth Congress — 2014
- Mercedes-Benz Start Up Program Finalist, Toronto Fashion Week — 2012
- Top Menswear Designers in Canada, SHARP Magazine — 2009
Bates also designed Air Canada’s current uniform program. Unveiled internationally in spring 2018, the collection received several major industry honours, including two NAUMD Image of the Year Awards—Best of the Best and Transportation: People—as well as Best Design for Corporate Clothing at the Professional Clothing Awards in London. Air Canada was the first North American company to receive an award from the organization.
In spring 2022, Bates launched his most ambitious collaboration to date: a TOP GUN x Christopher Bates collection, officially licensed by Paramount Consumer Products. Inspired by the original film, the collection offered a contemporary and nostalgic interpretation of its iconic style through signature bomber jackets, sweatshirts, T-shirts, volleyball tank tops, and aviator sunglasses.
Following the success of the collaboration, Bates entered into a second licensing agreement with Paramount to create The Godfather x Christopher Bates collection, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original film.
His work has been featured in leading international publications including L’Uomo Vogue Italia, Women’s Wear Daily, Forbes, GQ Brazil, Monocle, ELLE, FASHION, SCHÖN!, HELLO!, HuffPost, Esquire China, and Flare.
SELECTED CLIENTELE
Bates has dressed prominent figures from the worlds of film, music, sport, and entertainment, including:
- Actors and television personalities: Michael Shannon, Don Cheadle, Eugene Levy, Jay Baruchel, John Boyega, Wilson Cruz, Sangita Patel, and Ron MacLean
- Formula 1 drivers: Charles Leclerc and George Russell
- Musicians: Shawn Mendes, Howie of the Backstreet Boys, Ria Mae, and Tyler Shaw
- Athletes: José Bautista, DeMarre Carroll, and Tosaint Ricketts
- Film producers: Gary Michael Walters and Andrea Iervolino
- Bands: Marianas Trench and Walk Off the Earth
