Hogtown Rake interview with Christopher Bates

Toronto menswear designer Christopher Bates. Photo: Facebook

Toronto menswear designer Christopher Bates. Photo: Facebook

Christopher Bates in a Toronto-based designer. He has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the menswear industry with his eponymous line featured at the recent inaugural Toronto Men’s Fashion Week and some of the city’s prominent men’s shops. I caught up with Christopher at TOM* to ask him about his approach to style and dressing well.

Why do you like to dress well?
I believe in dressing for success. I’ve found that dressing well actually makes you feel well. Also, it opens doors and enhances your life in every way; professionally, socially, and romantically.

What does the way you dress reveal about who you are?
The way you dress definitely says a lot about you. When you dress well it says you care and that you’ve made an effort to make a positive impression on people.

Who is your style icon?
Sean Connery’s James Bond.

sean_connery_intro

Sean Connery in 1962’s “Dr. No”

What are your top 3 favourite places to shop for men’s clothing in Toronto and why?
Gotstyle Menswear, The Coop Ink, Holt Renfrew. Each of these stores has a tastefully edited selection of contemporary menswear. Also, each of them carry my line.

From the Christopher Bates collection. Photo: Facebook

One piece of advice for the man about to embark on improving his wardrobe?
Focus on getting the fit right. Fit is the most important factor and will literally make or break a look. If you really like a piece and it doesn’t quite fit you right, take it to your local tailor or seamstress to have it altered. It’s well worth the time and money because you’ll be looking like a million bucks.