Meet the Nominees for Canada’s Menswear Designer of the Year
The 2016 Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards take place tonight, celebrating the best and brightest of Canada’s fashion talent. Among the awards up for grabs is the Menswear Designer of the Year, with Frank & Oak, Christopher Bates, and wings+horns all vying for the honour. We chatted with the three nominees to get their take on what makes their labels stand out from the pack and why it’s important to support Canadian menswear.
Frank & Oak
Who are they?
Co-founders Hicham Ratnani and Ethan Song started Frank & Oak to give guys the means to dress stylishly and affordably, by designing a line of quality basics that would address all the modern man’s needs. Originally an e-commerce venture, the brand has branched out to offer brick-and-mortar stores in major cities across Canada and the US — spaces that allow shoppers to interact with not just the product, but also the Frank & Oak lifestyle thanks to the inclusion of cafes and barber shops.
Who’s it for?
Creative and tech-y types who want to look more fashion-forward than Zuckerberg.
Key piece for Spring/Summer ’16:
They’ve mastered the 9-to-5 uniform thanks to their tailored chinos and reliable Oxfords, and are now introducing a denim program that is made in Canada.
Why Canadian menswear design matters:
“There is a great creative energy in Canada and we need to capitalize and build on it for our Canadian friends as much as for the global community.”
Christopher Bates
Who is he?
Christopher Bates’ eponymous line effortlessly blends Italian tailoring (informed by his education in Milan) and contemporary design, creating collections that can keep men looking fresh from the boardroom to the bar. Bates has quickly built a strong identity as a top talent thanks to his own brand, his new footwear collaboration with Browns, and by helping to define Canadian corporate identity by designing uniforms for the likes of Holt Renfrew and Air Canada.
Who’s it for?
Men who have a summer home on the Italian Riviera — or at least front like they do.
Key piece for Spring/Summer ’16:
Suede is a favourite material for spring, and Bates’ air-brushed goat suede jackets are right on trend.
Why Canadian menswear design matters:
“Canada’s lack of tradition in fashion means there are no expectations. We have perspective and the freedom to draw from diverse inspirations from around the world.”
wings+horns
Who are they?
Founded in 2004, wings+horns was born from the desire to create a contemporary label that took its cues from the aesthetic and obsession to detail found in Japanese garments, but made for, and in, Canada. Designer Tung Vo’s first collection was for Spring/Summer ’15, and in that short span he has helped to further define the brand’s mission thanks to his technical knowledge (he was previously at Arc’teryx) and desire to bring a new level of maturity to the designs of wings+horns.
Who’s it for?
Fans of athleisure (so, pretty much everyone right now) looking for something more than just a tracksuit re-tread.
Key piece for Spring/Summer ’16:
A clean-cut crewneck sweater that is lightweight and made from natural fibres.
Why Canadian menswear design matters:
“Canadians are known for their international voice, and designers have the ability to offer a unique perspective informed by our landscape, values, and style.”
