Random Questions For…Chris Benz

Although he’s been in business less than three short years, designer Chris Benz has been playing with the big boys for quite some time.  Even before launching his line of American sportswear, the Seattle native began creating a buzz while still a student at Parsons, where he won the CFDA Emerging Designer Award in 2004.  After stints at Marc Jacobs and J. Crew, Benz struck out on his own to instant critical and commercial success in 2007.

The Chris Benz collection, which is chock full of colorful, vintage-inspired silhouettes with quirky, tomboyish twists, is aimed at “an ageless sophisticate” who’s “playfully impudent and always precise” (c’est moi), and has quickly become a favorite of Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, Eva Amurri, Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer and other hard working, nightlife loving PYTs - including Paula Patton and Eva Mendes, who recently strolled the red carpet wearing CB creations.

The line is now carried at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Villa Moda, Holt Renfrew and Harvey Nichols - and 27-year-old Benz himself has been tapped to design collections for Pologeorgis Furs and was inducted into the CFDA just last month.

The Fashion Informer recently chatted with the charming up-and-comer about his weekend plans, his time at Parsons and his favorite can’t-fail cold remedy (hint: it doesn’t involve Nyquil).

So, Chris…

What did you do last weekend and what are your plans for this weekend?
Last weekend:  Finished up unpacking at our new studio!  This weekend: Working on FW'10 sketches and hosting a dinner party.

What did you eat for breakfast today?
I ate a protein shake and a banana this morning, and a large, large iced coffee.

How do you relax/recharge after an especially long, hard day?
A long, hot shower is usually all I need to recharge after a long day.

 

Please look up from wherever you’re answering these questions and tell me what you see.
The freshly organized, color-coordinated bookcase in my new office!

 

What is your never-fail cold remedy?
My never-fail cold remedy is to get on the elliptical machine and sweat it out.

 

When was the last time you rode the subway?
I rode the subway a few months ago to work, but now I really enjoy walking to and from the studio.

 

What’s your favorite time of day?
I love early, early mornings in the city.

 

What does your screen saver/desktop look like?
It’s a view from the Ponte Vecchio in Firenze, from summer 2008 [see below].

 

When was the last time you sent a hand-written note or letter?
I send many handwritten notes every day.

 

What is your favorite piece of art?
I have an Ernest Trova chrome sculpture in my apartment that makes me crazy. I love it!

 

What do you miss most about living in Seattle?  Least?
I miss foggy mornings in Seattle, which is something that doesn't happen in Manhattan at all. But I really don't miss the rain.

 

What do you like most about living in NYC?  
I love living in NYC because of all the friends I have here, the accessibility, and knowing that at any moment you can just stick out your hand and get a taxi to wherever you want to go.

 

What’s the one beauty/grooming product you can’t live without?
I can't live without Lancôme's Anti-Age serum.

 

What do you remember most about your time at Parsons?
I remember being so tired at Parsons; there was so much work, sketching, draping and sewing, we were all exhausted.

 

Do you wear any jewelry?
I usually wear loads of friendship bracelets that I pick up while travelling, as well as a Hermes Medor watch and Collier de Chien bracelet.

 

What never fails to make you cry?
Usually Oprah can make me cry.

 

When are you happiest?
I'm most happy while working on a new collection.

 

Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For…Jason Wu