Chris Benz Interview at Chalk Boutique in Evanston

Owners Carrie Kane and Sharon Watrous of the chic upscale boutique Chalk have brought high fashion into the quaint town of Evanston. The trendy shop carries top fashion legends from Europe and the U.S., including Balenciaga, Giambattista Galli, Meredith Wendell, Yigal Azrouël, and noted New York-based fashion designer Chris Benz. In a special presentation, Chalk had the pleasure of hosting a trunk show and personal appearance with Benz. He is one of New York’s top fashion designers who has showcased his work at New York Fashion Week and in the pages of glossy fashion magazines, while also creating looks to bring out the best in modern women. We had the chance to talk with the designer to get a look into his work, his world, and his idea of fashion today.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer?
CHRIS BENZ: Well, I’ve always had a strong interest in the arts. I was also sketching and drawing at such a young age, I always knew I would do something in this field, and fashion was such a great fit.

FM: What inspires you?
CB: Being in New York is an inspiration on its own. I take what I can from the city and today’s modern woman and try to incorporate that into my work.
 
FM: Who is the Chris Benz woman?
CB: She is someone who is adventurous, confident, and fun, who loves to have fun with clothes. She loves to play around with colors and shapes and isn’t afraid to be different. My fall 2010 collection features a very casual and comfortable feel and I’ve incorporated drawstrings and elastics into the pieces which give it a bit of a sport vibe.
 
FM: How has your time as J.Crew and Marc Jacobs affected your work now?
CB: At Marc Jacobs you learn high fashion and creating one-of-a-kind pieces with beauty, and J.Crew you learn to create items for any woman to wear. With that mix, you can learn to create something amazing and make it fit for any woman.

FM: Since the common trend in fashion now is collaboration, do you see yourself working with anyone in the future?
CB: I’m open to whatever comes my way, a collaboration would be a lot of fun. Mixing my ideas with another designer or even stepping into interiors is not out of the realm of possibility.
 
FM: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming designers?
CB: Always be true to yourself and your design aesthetic. Follow your own instincts, because they’re probably right! Also, wherever you are, take in your surroundings to build character. It's reflected in your work and can always make you stand out from the rest.

FM: What’s next for you?
CB: Spring 2010! No, really just working on the next collection. I just wrapped up on my resort collection, which has some great looks for summer. Also, I have the pleasure of speaking at SCAD (Savannah College for Art and Design) during their graduation ceremony. This is a great way to give back to the young fashion community and give them insight, and what to look for in the future. And it’s especially great because being that these students are from Georgia, their actual hands-on experience with fashion from places like New York is limited. This is a great way for students to take a peek into our world.

FM: Any tips for summer?
CB: Polka Dots! Anything fun and flirty with bold prints would be a great add to your summer wardrobe.

FM: What can we expect for fashion week this September?
CB: A surprise!
-Lubna Hassan