Bill Blass names Chris Benz as creative director

CFDA-Award-winning designer Chris Benz has been named Creative Director at Bill Blass.

“Chris’s modern design aesthetic, understanding and connection to today’s woman will be instrumental in reimagining Bill Blass into a 21st Century brand,” said Bill Blass President Stuart Goldblatt. “We are excited to welcome Chris to the Bill Blass team. His proven talent will lead the brand into its next phase as we look to build on the significant heritage and influence Bill Blass brought to the industry.”

Chris Benz has previously worked as a designer at J. Crew and Marc Jacobs, before going on to launch his namesake brand in 2007. In fact, he had already won his CFDA award for ‘Emerging Designer’ before he was even out of fashion school, picking up the gong in 2004 while still attending Parsons. 

“Bill Blass is a brand that I have forever admired and have deep respect for as an original American designer,” said Chris Benz. “I am thrilled to introduce this esteemed brand to the next generation.”

The Bill Blass brand was first created by the eponymous designer (1922-2002), who became one of the biggest names in American fashion.