Christopher Bates has always had a passion for fashion. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, by age 13 he already had a sketchbook full of designs. An imaginative thinker, he was drawn to the creativity of the advertising industry. He forged a successful, five-year career there, until deciding that the advertising industry lacked the artistry to develop his creativity.

He concluded a career evolution was in order and in 2006 moved to the fashion capital of Milan, Italy. Here he enrolled in the internationally renowned Istituto Marangoni to study fashion design. "The program was immensely challenging; nevertheless, I was completely determined to excel. When you are working hard at something you love it's exciting." His hard work paid off and he achieved perfect marks while learning and living in a city that breathes fashion. After graduating with honours in 2007, his work attracted interest from leading international firms including: Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, Puma, Parasuco and Panos Emporio.

However, Bates was completely determined to start his own line, and returned to Vancouver to launch his eponymous label: Christopher Bates. He began working full-time on his own line in November of 2007 and the company was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia in February, 2008. From the outset, Bates’ goal was to make a major splash in the international fashion arena.

His debut collection for Spring 2009 was a success with both buyers and journalists who were drawn to his tastefully cutting-edge, Eurocentric style. His debut collection was picked up by leading boutiques in Vancouver and Toronto including Toronto’s legendary Gotstyle Menswear, who has been one of Bates’ chief stockists to date. His explosive fashion shows have been a hit with the press and the charismatic designer has been regularly featured in leading local and national publications including: Much Music TV’s MOD, Inside Fashion, on CTV, Sharp Magazine in The Globe & Mail, The Toronto Star,  Radio One on CBC, Flare Magazine, The Vancouver Sun, and Blog TO etc…

But Bates isn’t stopping there. Expanding into womenswear, he has already begun to work with select couture clientele and has designed dresses for Miss World Canada Leah Ryerse, Miss Earth Canada Denise Garrido, and art gallery owner Nyree Anna Hazelton. Other lucky ladies are already on-board for future confections.

In his spare time Bates has traveled extensively in Europe, as well as North and Central America, and his style is greatly influenced by his travels. It was during his second tour of Europe in Scandinavia and the Baltics that he rediscovered his youthful enthusiasm for fashion. “I was surprised by how stylish everyone was, especially in Stockholm, Sweden and Riga, Latvia. Their individualism, fashion sense and creativity were impressive.”

Bates’ style is progressively urban and designed for youthful, active men looking to express their individual nature and taste for excellent quality, and inventive apparel. “My design style is upbeat. If it were music it would be Electro. My ethos is one word: ULTRA. It is the dynamic manner I live my life and is reflected in the energy of my designs. Welcome to the future of menswear.”