Christopher Bates Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Designer Christopher Bates debuts his first collection available at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver

In 2006, Christopher Bates quit his Yaletown marketing job, sold his condo in the Arthur-Erickson-designed Waterfall Building and moved to Italy to study design at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni design school in Milan.

In 2008, he launched his first line, Christopher Bates for Ultra, creating Euro-influenced men’s street wear. Six years later, after a move to Toronto and a spot at that city’s World Mastercard Fashion Week, Christopher Bates is returning home with his first collection available for sale at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver.

Known for a sartorial twist on traditional sportswear, Bates’ collections are sharp, both in their tailoring and construction, weaving in elements of formal wear and street wear for a comfortable, polished look.

The Christopher Bates spring/summer 2014 collection was influenced by the colours and lifestyle of the French Riviera, with soft pinks and purples, crisp whites and luxuriously bright blues and is available at Holt Renfrew.

Click through for some of the key pieces from Christopher Bates’ spring/summer 2014 collection.

Short Sleeves and Tailored Shorts

Short sleeve dress shirts have been a staple since the 2009 collection. “I live in these all summer,” says the designer. “You’re going to see a lot more tailored shorts. That’s going to be a major trend in menswear. I’m calling it!”

Nautical Navy Gets Punched Up

Bates takes the traditional nautical blazer and gives it punch of colour with a bright blue wool-blend fabric.

Italian Knits

This is the first season for a knitwear component. Unlike the rest of Bates’s line, which is entirely made in Canada, Christopher Bates’ knits are made in Italy and boast leather elbow patches for an added Italian touch.

Lipstick on the Collar

The Kiss Print shirt has become a signature of the brand. According to Bates, one devoted fan owns 25 of them.

Standout Camo

The pixelated camo pant isn’t quite in line with the rest of the collection, but Bates likes to pop in a little something unexpected every season. “With each collection I have a lot of sartorial pieces, but I like to have a little bit of street as well,” he says. “It’s how guys are dressing these days – taking elements from both areas and wearing them together.”