Excellent Designer Alert: Chris Benz

Designer Chris Benz (here with his designer pal, Ashleigh Verrier, right) is a young womenswear mogul on the rise. For real.

With all the crazy Oscar gowns on parade last night (Yep, Nicole Kidman’s big red bow was bonkers, yo.) I was taken by the cool and cozy designs of up-and-coming designer Chris Benz’s looks for women this fall. (Actually, I saw him featured on Refinery 29’s cool site, but I know when I see something refreshing and promising.) Benz debuted his line (he’d been a designer at J. Crew for a couple of years previously) during this past NY Fashion Week, and drew some good notice then, too.

The Seattle-raised youngster is one of NYC’s sharpest design stars, and the look of his line is slightly grunge-meets-Great Gatsby. Meaning, I can totally see the hipster chicks in my Williamsburg neighborhood rocking these pieces, as well as smart uptown girls. And given how this model is totally giving up Kim Stolz hotness in these clothes, it’s obvious that stylin’ lesbians would serve up some Benz quite nicely, too. (The NY Times used the term “tomboy” for Benz’s designs. I rest my case.)

Whatever... The clothes are great. And what you’re seeing here are some of his Fall 2007 looks. Plus he cites Wednesday Addams as a major fashion inspiration. Love that.

Check his site for more info and fun press clips.

Cheers!