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Just in time for summer, award-winning Canadian designer Christopher Bates presents his latest collection inspired by none other than TOP GUN. The line pays homage not only to Bates’ creative eye, but to the ’80s movie that is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity across film and television. Paramount brings TOP GUN back with a bang, thanks to Bates’ unique and fashionable contribution to creativity, which brings a whole new level to the world of TOP GUN with its unparalleled designs.
Bates, along with actress Sonia Rockwell and brand director Michael Evans, hosted a star-studded soirée at sbe’s Nightingale in Los Angeles in June to celebrate the collection. From a pop-up shop to a fashion show, the evening featured themed activities and guests were immersed in the world of Christopher Bates through TOP GUN lenses (aviator lenses, of course!).
(honour)
Here, the iconic designer chats exclusively with us about the TOP GUN world collection and reimagining.
What inspired you to create an entire collection centered around Top Gun?
I was meeting with Paramount execs when the new TOP GUN: Maverick movie first came out. When we came up with the idea for the collaboration, we were thinking about how amazing it sounded. I submitted my designs and proposal to their head office and was lucky enough to get approval. I decided to focus on the core capsule collection which featured bomber jackets, sweatshirts, tank tops, hoodies, t-shirts and aviator sunglasses.
How long did it take to create from creative concept to execution?
From conception to completion of our first production, it took us about 6 months.
How did you work with Paramount to bring this to life?
Paramount was involved at every stage, so it was a real collaboration. They have an amazing, detailed product guide document that helps guide my design process. They also provided all the vector work for the logos, patches and name badges from the original film.
What about Top Gun talking to you about fashion?
Military uniforms such as flight suits and bomber jackets worn in the US Navy are always inspiring. You’ll notice details from both for the TOP GUN bomber jacket, such as flight suit style chest pockets and a rescue orange lining. We also created embroidered patches and name badges and put them in the same place on flight suits for our bomber jackets and sweatshirts. Additionally, aviator sunglasses and dog tags have always been a part of my personal style. We created a separate tank top for the volleyball scene in the first movie.
Many unknown trends will return. What pieces of 80s style do you still love and think are just as relevant today?
I grew up in the 80s and the style inspired me to become a fashion designer. I loved (and still do) neon and pastel color palettes, surf and skateboard style, exaggerated shoulders, power suits and over-the-top glam. The proliferation of references that you’ll see alive and well was the best decade for fashion, as seen decades later.
Tell us about the event and the fashion show. How fun was it to create this experience to showcase the collection?
The launch event was truly a dream come true. Top Gun is one of my favorite movies of all time. To design the collection, produce a runway show, and celebrate the spirit of Top Gun is a career highlight. The Nightingale is a wonderful place, located right in West Hollywood. I am very thankful to SBE team and their team for hosting me. Special thanks to Rusty Morrone and Deborah Maguire for making it such a wonderful evening.
The pieces in the collection are chic and funky for high street style. How do you hope people get the look from the line and wear it this summer?
Well, I think there are two ways to swing the pieces. First, you can go all out in ’80s style. For example, you can pair the blue bomber jacket with a white Top Gun logo t-shirt with acid wash blue jeans, white sneakers and accessorize with dog tags and aviator sunglasses. Or, be more modern and wear the black bomber jacket over a simple black t-shirt, black fitted jeans and brown Chelsea boots.
What are your favorite/most meaningful pieces from the line?
A black (steel) bomber jacket, a volleyball tank-top and aviator sunglasses are very special to me.
Are there any other movies you want to create a clothing line around next?
I am pleased to announce our next collaboration with Paramount Consumer Products for The Godfather. It is 50Th This year marks the anniversary of the first film so we are gearing up to launch the collection this fall.
What’s next for you / what projects are you excited about right now?
Right now my focus is on TOP GUN, The Godfather and my own Christopher Bates collection of men and women. This is enough to keep me very busy and motivated.
Presented by: Ascend Agency
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