Chris Benz : InStyle.com What's Right Now

Rachel Bilson and Sophia Bush Get Heavenly and More!

Jan 17, 2012 @ 1:40 pm

The CW stars Rachel Bilson and Sophia Bush celebrated The Art of Elysium’s Heaven Gala in Los Angeles this weekend in fittingly ethereal looks. The Hart of Dixie actress chose a floaty Chanel dress, while her One Tree Hill pal picked a Chris Benz design and threw on a floral hair wreath. “#Heaven it certainly was. 50,000 kids helped. So much $ raised,” Bush Tweeted after the event. See Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and more stars at this weekend’s hottest parties in the gallery!

— Sharon Clott

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Getty Images; Courtesy of Madewell

Found It! Kerry Washington’s Lace Party Dress

Nov 16, 2011 @ 2:00 pm

Kerry Washington celebrated Chris Benz’s collaboration with Movado Bold watches in a flirty brown lace Madewell dress topped with a camo-print blazer from Benz’s Spring 2012 collection. Pick up the dress for $168 at madewell.com or splurge on one of the limited-edition $550 watches at movado.com.

Plus, find your perfect party dress in the gallery!

Party Dress Ideas!

MORE:
• Where Can I Find… More Celeb Outfits!
• Alexa Chung’s Madewell Collection
• Celebs Wearing Madewell

— Betony Toht

Georgina Chapman, Chris Benz, Charlotte Ronson, Molly Sims

Getty Images

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas From Our Favorite Designers

Oct 28, 2011 @ 10:15 am

Halloween is just days away, but no need to worry if you don’t have your costume picked out yet! We asked some of our favorite designers for their tips on putting together a costume in a pinch. Click through the gallery for last minute outfit advice from Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman, Molly Sims, Charlotte Ronson, Chris Benz, and more!

MORE:
• What Celebrities Wore Last Year!
• Celebrity Halloween Costume Ideas
• Movie & TV Halloween Costume Ideas

— Caitlin Petreycik

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Getty Images; Courtesy of Chris Benz for Lancome

Chris Benz’s Limited-Edition Lancôme Totes!

Jun 13, 2011 @ 6:30 pm

Update: Our lucky winner is Chrisandmaria Hightower. Want to win our next giveaway? Go to the InStyle Facebook page, click the Like button and stay tuned!

As if we need additional reasons to our expand our summer makeup supply, Chris Benz and Lancôme are giving us even more incentive. Starting tomorrow, June 14th, $60 spent on Lancôme products at Saks Fifth Avenue will get you a limited-edition, Chris Benz-designed tote bag packed with staples like Définicils Precious Cells Mascara and Juicy Tubes (a $119 value, to be exact.) Even better, the promotion is both in-stores and online through June 25th. “I love a great canvas tote in the summer,” Benz told InStyle exclusively. “I sketched my ideal summer scene—beach-side with a sunhat. I think it’s a terrific accessory.” Click “See the Photos” to get a closer look at the tote and a preview of Lancôme’s summer collection.

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Head over to InStyle‘s Facebook page June 14th and leave a comment on this question to enter to win your own Chris Benz for Lancôme tote!

— Hannah Morrill

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Courtesy of Chris Benz

Chris Benz’s 2012 Resort Collection: See the Photos!

Jun 12, 2011 @ 12:00 pm

Chris Benz‘s 2012 resort collection was inspired by Bermuda, which translates to cheery tropical prints, lightweight chambray, and, of course, Bermuda shorts! “I grew up in rainy Seattle so I have a special place in my heart for anywhere that’s sunny and fun,” the designer told us. “For resort, I looked into great old vacation spots, and realized that Bermuda always gets overlooked. I researched the history and found out that it was a secret resort spot for all the royals.” Benz introduced swimwear this season, and he punched up the line with collaborations from his accessory designer pals: Alejandro Ingelmo shoes, Patricia Underwood hats and The Woods jewelry. Click “See the Photos” to browse Chris Benz’s Resort 2012 lineup.

MORE:
• The Latest Resort Collections!
• Your Favorite Designer: A-Z!

— Caitlin Petreycik

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NY Fashion Week Day 6: Leighton Meester, Marc Jacobs and More!

Feb 15, 2011 @ 9:23 pm

Getty Images; Courtesy Photo

Fashion Week continued with heavy hitters all around. Leighton Meester stopped by the Marc Jacobs show last night with Fergie and Vanessa Hudgens. We also saw some innovative beauty tricks—Betsey Johnson showed off wigs with lace patterns, parts got bedazzled at Badgley Mischka, and Donna Karan dressed her models in caramel sepia shadow (above). Click through the gallery to see photos of the famous faces, brand new designs and more!

— Heather Viggiani, with reporting by Nakisha Williams

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Courtesy photo; AP photo

There’s Another Style Star in the White House

Jan 28, 2011 @ 9:34 am

Malia Obama, the president’s eldest daughter, is taking after her mother First Lady Michelle Obama as a rising style star. Last week, the 12-year-old wore a green printed dress by Chris Benz for the White House state dinner, a look from the designer’s spring 2010 collection. Meanwhile, her mother chose a red gown by Alexander McQueen for the same occasion.

MORE:
• Michelle Obama’s Red Looks
• The First Lady’s Jewelry Transformation

— Sharon Clott

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Istock Photo

Colorful Advice from Chris Benz and Nathan Turner

May 7, 2010 @ 12:28 pm

Last week Chris Benz hosted an L.A. soiree to celebrate his Fall 2010 collection, but the designer also offered some timely advice for those of us looking to amp up our spring wardrobe. “The key piece is definitely a colorful shift dress. Throw a jean jacket over it and wear it all day, then put on heels and a necklace and it’s perfect for night,” said Benz, whose colorful creations have been worn by Eva Mendes and Gwyneth Paltrow. “It’s all about exuberance, youth and fun!” Interior designer Nathan Turner, who hosted Benz’s party at his West Hollywood boutique, shared his quick tips for brightening up a living space. “Accents like lampshades and pillows are the key. I was just in Ikea and saw these red picture frames, you could do a whole wall of those,” the decorator brainstormed. “And paint is the easiest way to totally transform a space. It’s inexpensive and it’s a day’s work. If I see one more beige room, I’m going to throw myself out a window!”

— Bronwyn Barnes