Project Runway Season 7: Meet Ben Chmura

Oh my GOD, we're gonna LOVE this one!

Ben Chmura
Age: 30
Hometown: South Meriden, CT

And not because he's kinda cute (although that certainly always helps). Have a read, have a view, and then we'll tell you why we're feeling the BenLove.

Favorite designer(s)?
Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQueen, Martin Margiela, Hedi Slimane.
Can you describe past jobs you've had?
Freelanced for Express Men's, Club Monaco, Ralph Lauren, TSE cashmere and American Eagle.
What is a fashion must?
At least one really good vintage designer piece.
What is your design training?
BFA in Fashion Design from Savannah College of Art and Design.
What's influenced your designs over the years?
Comic book illustration, sci-fi movies and, most of all, music!
What's your favorite material or fabric to work with?
Woven fabrics, especially silk noil and silk linens, and raw, natural fibers.
Do you prefer patterns or solids?
Both! I love mixing patterns, textures, colors. I love to color-block my designs as well.
What are your favorite colors?
I'm definitely a sucker for black, but I also love reds and coppers.
Favorite designer from past seasons of Project Runway?
I really liked Jay McCarroll.
Project Runway challenge you wish they'd bring back for your season? The auto parts/interiors challenge! That was amazing!!!







Okay, so. Why are we feeling the love? Just this:

GLORIOUS COLOR! AND PRINTS!

After the most dour, colorless season of PR the world has ever seen, to see a young designer willing to go that extra mile, willing to stick his neck out a little further (because to be honest, black is an incredibly safe and incredibly flattering choice) is so DAMN REFRESHING, wouldn't you say? So many new contestants say they loved Jay McCarroll and then show a portfolio full of neutrals. It's just so nice to see a designer say they loved Jay and then demonstrate that they understand what made Jay so great.


More info on Ben Chmura at myLifetime.com.


[Photos: Ryan Prado Photography/Veckio Photography via Ben's MySpace Page/www.chipschotz.com/myLifetime.com - Videos: myLifetime.com - Q&A: myLifetime.com]


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