John Bates (designer)

John Bates (11 January 1935 – 5 June 2022)[1] was an English fashion designer who, working as Jean Varon, was part of the boutique scene that blossomed in London in the 1960s.

[6] One of Bates' most influential champions was Marit Allen, the editor of British Vogue's Young Ideas spread, who considered Bates the true inventor of the miniskirt, rather than Mary Quant or André Courrèges.

[8] In 1965 Bates designed memorable outfits for Diana Rigg to wear for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers, including Op-Art mini-coats and accessories in graphic black and white, and a silver ensemble comprising a bra bodice, low-slung trousers, and a jacket.

[7] In the same vein he designed a modernistic space-age wedding outfit for Marit Allen in 1966 consisting of a white gabardine mini-coat and matching dress with silver PVC collar and lapels.

[5][7] From 2002 until his death, Bates lived in Wales with his partner, John Siggins.