The brightly colored, sequined curtain as the backdrop of Chris Benz’s Fall 2011 collection reflected the whimsy of the retro-glam collection. Chris Benz’s presentation in Avery Hall at Lincoln center had a vintage nostalgic feel, although for what era, one couldn’t be certain. The models sported sky-high, almost beehive updos, pearls and pumps but daring juxtapositions of texture and layering defied placing the collection firmly in say, the 1960’s or 20’s.
Benz cited old Hollywood icons as his inspiration for the collection, telling FashionEtc., “We were looking at all this old footage of Judy Garland and Dolly Parton…from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and we were really trying to recreate that spirit for our girl.”
His vision was certainly realized, accurately articulated in cropped jackets, fitted trousers, drop-waist dresses and full, sweeping skirts. There was also no end of over-sized bows, sequins and bright, exciting prints, giving the collection an overall nostalgic feel on a Pixie Stix sugar high.
Benz has said that for Fall “we were loving the idea of dressing up again…there’s something to be said for dressing up to go some place.” After spending the day in Lincoln Center, feeding off the bright energy of throngs of people dressed in their Fashion Week best, (and trying not to stumble in my six-inch suede wedges) I couldn’t agree more.
Want the look? Look for stand-out separates with high impact textures and subdued silhouettes like this sequin pencil skirt from Free People.