TOM* DESIGNER PROFILE + Q&A: CHRISTOPHER BATES

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.

Filthy Haanz SS15: Bollywood Meets Gossip Girl

On Wednesday January 14th, I had the privilege to watch my first fashion show of the year for Filthy Haanz Gold SS15 Collection titled "Bombay Graffiti". The bold collection featured 26 Bollywood inspired looks designed by their Creative Director and my Friend Wilber Tellez. 

Being from an Asian family, I loved how the brand incorporated the aspects of Indian Fashion such as golden embroidery in a youthful and sexy way. The brand which is aimed towards the Gossip Girl lifestyle, where their client is the young, sophisticated and daring soul - managed to take traditional garment styles and transform it into just that. My favourite looks from the show had to be the finale look featured above, which is a Swarovski Crystal embellished top, with a ombre silk maxi dress - as well as the men's white and gold embroidered suit. Other key features of the collection included the custom printed "Bombay Graffiti" designed by Mr. Tellez himself.

Overall the brand nailed the Bollywood X Gossip Girl theme of the show with their looks. The location of the show was at The Rum Exchange in Downtown Toronto. The music was perfectly suited to set the tone for the vibrant and exciting show, and I was lucky to have some of my close fashion friends there as well.

Best of London Collections: Men - Thomas Pink AW15

       

Thomas Pink's presentation at LCM was preppy and colourful. I loved the several tie and shirt combinations, and appreciated the collection not being runway show so that you could look at the details of the pieces. The rest of the outfits were also very sharp, and it showcased that Thomas Pink is more than just a shirting brand. 

Best of London Collections: Men - Hardy Amies AW15

        

Hardy Amies shines at LC:M with their fresh approach to traditional menswear. The AW15 collection featured a fresh colour palette including mustards, terra cotta, light burgundy and new hues of blues. The show was styled to perfection, and even though the collection featured classic styles which could be quiet boring - they brought a youthful approach in their layering techniques and mixes of non-traditional items within it. Definitely one of the finest collections on LC:M AW15 thus far.

Best of London Collections: Men - Hackett London AW15

       

Hackett London mesmerizes with a dreamy and opulent collection of sharply tailored clothing. The colour palette was neutral and masculine, but the styling was what made the collection stand out. Some of my favourite pieces included the first full suit showcased (checkered), the military inspired head to toe olive green look and the extremely dapper finale outfit!

Best of London Collections: Men - Coach AW15

        

Coach, Inc. showcased on Friday January 9th with luxurious leathers, shearlings and modern lodge style. The brand which is known for it's stylish and affordable luxury goods has grown into a fashion powerhouse and their FW15 collection is nothing short of that. I love the camouflage patterns, fur coats and the casual-lux appeal which takes us on a trip to the most stylish lodge you will ever find. My favourite single piece in the presentation is the white leather sneaker with the shearling details on it - super cool and Très chic!

TPG JOURNALS: New Year Resolutions and Goals

Hello Friends! This is a new segment that I am writing to let you all know a little bit more about myself and where I plan on taking my blogging career this year. For those who didn't know, I started my blog in April of 2013 as a personal style journal, which became public later that year. The idea of the blog was to just talk about things that I liked in fashion, however, in 2014 it became much bigger than that. I started to collaborate with major national and international brands, covered fashion events, designed a limited edition bow-tie for a brand, shared opinion pieces and style advice, to an audience of what is now 100,000+ people per month. Even though it has been doing incredibly well and I am extremely grateful to all my readers for it, in the year of 2015, I want to be doing a lot more. There are so many outlets that I want to work with and be a part of. Some of them include freelancing for magazines on a more consistent basis, providing my tips/thoughts on television/radio and other forums, and also building a proper v-log channel on youtube. I am also committed to bringing better articles/posts/updates for my readers!