Barbara Bates (continued)
Who are some of the people you design for?
I design for everyday people. I design for the woman who just wants someone to notice her or the woman that’s hard to fit, but she wants a fabulous dress, so she comes to Barbara Bates. I am in the process now of doing a leather outerwear wardrobe for R. Kelly. I still design for celebrities; that made people first notice me, but I am realistic about the people who will service me and come all the time. They are the everyday walk of life people that you meet at the grocery store, like the lady that says, “Are you Barbara Bates”? I make sure that I’m approachable, because people tend to think that if you are a figure in the community, you’re not approachable. I never wanted to feel that way.
What fashion trends do you see for the summer and fall?
I’m not really good with following trends; one of the reasons is that I didn’t have a formal education. I don’t sit and follow all the formal rules. I like to cater to the people that I am servicing, so my forecast would be, if you want to be in the know and in style then you need to be coming here to me. You may have heard that I’m expensive but you don’t know unless you come and see what I have to offer. You could walk through the door and I can say “what’s your budget”? If it’s realistic, then I can make it happen for you, but you won’t know if you don’t give me that opportunity. Remember, no matter what the look, if it’s fitting you well, then you’re in style.
What’s next for you?
I’m in the process of negotiating a deal where I will do a B-line, which is a less expensive line that will be sold out of retail chains. We are looking for the line to actually hit the major stores in Fall 2017. I’m also celebrating 30 years in business this year and will be having a breast cancer walk this August, which will benefit Sinai Hospital. I’m asking people to come and support us and join us in the walk. My anniversary celebration is in October, we are doing a fashion show that will encompass 30 years of Bates.
Give us one word that describes Barbara Bates.
Compassionate.