Chris Benz
Chris Benz | |
|---|---|
| File:ChrisBenz.jpg | |
| Born | 1982 (30 years old) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Parsons The New School for Design |
| Label | Chris Benz |
| Awards | CFDA: Emerging Talent Award & Scholarship (2003);1st Annual FICA (Fur Information Council of America) Emerging Fur Designer of the Year; Pantone Special Color Award for Best Use of Color by a Designer (2010) |
Chris Benz is an American fashion designer. He gained early recognition as a recipient of a coveted CFDA scholarship [1] while attending Parson's School of Design. Benz interned with Marc Jacobs in college, then worked at J.Crew, before launching his own collection in 2007.[2] His signatures include unabashed use of color and texture, and deft use of prints, as well as inventive subversion of traditional dressmaking codes and techniques. His namesake collection is available in stores throughout United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He was inducted into the CFDA in 2009.
Benz's clothes are frequently featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour and other publications. In addition to his own fashion line, Benz has partnered with Moscot, the upscale eyewear company, to design a line of frames, Pologeorgis Furs and Lancôme to design a the "Chris & Tell" Lipstick.[3] And his partnership with Redken consistently creates Fashion Week buzz.
Benz's success in the fashion world has led to numerous television appearances, included among them a week as guest judge on Bravo's The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection and an appearance on HBO's How to Make It in America.[4] He is also a regular columnist for Fashionista.com, one of the largest independent fashion websites in the US.
Benz also created the clothes for the 2012 Barbie for President doll in the Barbie "I Can Be..." line.
Copyright Infringement
On November 14, 2012, photographer Jessica Nichols publicly accused Benz of infringing on her copyright by using one of her photographs for the pattern of several pieces of his Spring 2012 collection without permission.[5] Benz's lawyers refuted this claim but evidence provided by Nichols to the contrary has been overwhelming.