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Christopher Bates: Taking Flight with Top Gun Inspired Collection

In a cinematic twist, award-winning Canadian fashion designer Christopher Bates has taken inspiration from the iconic ’80s film, Top Gun, to create a stunning new collection just in time for the summer season. The “Summer of Romance” collection pays homage to this timeless classic while offering impeccably crafted pieces that not only showcase Bates’ creative vision but also inject new life into the Top Gun universe.

The revival of Top Gun, courtesy of Paramount, has been met with enthusiasm, and Christopher Bates has added a unique and contemporary dimension to the franchise through his exceptional designs. These designs not only capture the essence of the ’80s but also bring a whole new level of fun to the Top Gun world.

To celebrate the launch of the collection, Christopher Bates, along with actress Sonia Rockwell and his brand’s director Michael Evans, hosted a star-studded soirée at sbe’s Nightingale in Los Angeles in June. The event featured a pop-up store and a fashion show, immersing attendees in the world of Christopher Bates through the lens of Top Gun, complete with aviator lenses, of course!

The collection itself is a testament to Bates’ creative prowess and his ability to seamlessly blend elements of the Top Gun universe with contemporary fashion. From bomber jackets to sweatshirts, tank-tops, hoodies, t-shirts, and aviator sunglasses, each piece is a carefully crafted work of art that captures the essence of Top Gun.

The creation of the “Summer of Romance” collection was a collaborative effort with Paramount, involving their input every step of the way. Paramount provided detailed brand guidelines and the vector artwork for logos, patches, and name badges from the original film, allowing Bates to recreate them faithfully in his designs.

What makes Top Gun appealing from a fashion perspective, according to Christopher Bates, is the influence of military uniforms, particularly the flight suits and bomber jackets worn by the US Navy. These uniforms have always been a source of inspiration, and the collection pays homage to them by incorporating elements such as flight suit-style chest pockets and rescue orange linings. Embroidered patches and name badges, positioned as they were on the flight suits, adorn the bomber jackets and sweatshirts. Aviator sunglasses and dog tags, integral to Bates’ personal style, also make appearances in the collection, including a tank-top dedicated to the iconic volleyball scene from the first film.

The ’80s have seen a resurgence in fashion trends, with many iconic styles making comebacks. Christopher Bates, who grew up in the ’80s and found inspiration in its fashion, appreciates the neon and pastel color palettes, surf and skateboard influences, exaggerated shoulders, power suiting, and glam that defined the era. These elements continue to remain relevant and have left an indelible mark on fashion, making the ’80s a timeless source of inspiration.

The launch event and fashion show were undoubtedly a dream come true for Christopher Bates, who counts Top Gun among his all-time favorite films. To design the collection, produce a runway show, and celebrate the spirit of Top Gun was a career highlight, and the event took place at the picturesque venue of Nightingale in West Hollywood, hosted by the SBE group and their dedicated team.

The pieces in the collection effortlessly combine elegance with a sense of fun, making them perfect for elevated street style looks. Bates suggests two ways to rock these pieces: embrace the ’80s style by pairing a blue bomber jacket with a white Top Gun logo T-shirt, acid wash blue jeans, white sneakers, dog tags, and aviator sunglasses. Alternatively, opt for a contemporary look with the black bomber jacket worn over a plain black T-shirt, black fitted jeans, and brown Chelsea boots.

As for Christopher Bates’ future projects, he has an exciting collaboration on the horizon with Paramount Consumer Products for The Godfather, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original film. The collection is set to launch this autumn, promising to bring a touch of cinematic grandeur to fashion enthusiasts.

Currently, Christopher Bates is focused on Top Gun, The Godfather, and his own Christopher Bates men’s and women’s collections. With these ventures keeping him busy and motivated, the future looks bright for this talented designer who continues to breathe new life into the world of fashion.

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