For just over 20 years John Bates dominated the British fashion scene with a unique brand of style, combining innovation with a slick marketing and distribution network which meant that no other designer had such a comprehensive influence on what the UK wore. At every level, from shop girl to pop star, debutante and banker's wife, his label Jean Varon had a must-have dress for any party; short or long, empire line or mini. He gave fashion-conscious women the chance to wear dresses featured extensively in the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Queen, and bridged the gap between High Street retailing and couture like no other. Diana Rigg wore his designs in The Avengers, and the press went wild. Cilia Black and Dusty Springfield sang in Jean Varon. Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy and Penelope Tree modelled. David Bailey, Terence Donovan and Helmut Newton photographed. "John Bates: Fashion Designer" examines the growth of an international business with unparalleled access to the...