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Chris Benz: Fashion Designer

New York Fashion Designer, Chris Benz Gives Us a Personal Tour of His NYC

ELAINE SAYS: For fashion designer, CHRIS BENZ, a perfect day in New York City feels much like his designs...an exciting study in contrasts, blends and surprises. His list reflects the best of New York's edgy and plush, while his now signature, pink hair hints to the spirit that fuels his creativity...a gift that has been getting a lot of attention lately. Just last week, Chris presented his Spring 2012 Collection in Lincoln Center, Marie Claire called his accessories drool-worthy and First Lady, Michelle Obama was photographed wearing one of his strapless cocktail dresses. Pretty good week. And now, a great tour of NYC, from an insider with style, complexity and a big sense of fun.

SHOP

Aedes de Venustas VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Aedes de Venustas 9 Christopher Street, NYC [West Village]This is the place I go for perfume, candles, and sundries. This tiny gem on Christopher Street, stocks rare and exclusive scents in a jewelbox boudoir setting. Fréderic Malle, Cire Turdon, and Santa Maria Novella are very well represented.
Obscura VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Obscura 280 East 10th Street, NYC [East Village]I love vintage ephemera like taxidermy and old medical paraphernalia, and this little treasure is the place to go for weird & wonderful little things, on East 10th Street. Also, a perfectly odd spot to find a very special and unexpected gift.
Patron of the New VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Patron of the New 151 Franklin Street, NYC [TriBeCa]This new, multi-brand boutique in Tribeca stocks, among carefully edited European and Japanese collections, the CHRIS BENZ collection! I love their discerning point of view and outstanding customer service.
Trash & Vaudeville VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Trash and Vaudeville 4 St. Marks Place, NYC [East Village]This is the punk rock / alternative flagship for everything mesh, zippered, mowhawk'd, and spray-painted. Still as fun now as it was when I was in college. And, with a big, creeper-trend happening, its one of the only place you can snag an authentic pair.
Olatz VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Olatz 43 Clarkson Street, NYC [West Village]Olatz Schnabel's super fancy bedding, pajama and luxury linen mecca. Customizable in every sort of color combination, monogram, and fabrication, it is pure fantasy chic.
Horseman Antiques VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 351 Atlantic Avenue, Boerem Hill, Brooklyn [Brooklyn]This 4-floor warehouse on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, is chock-full with mid-century furniture and vintage industrial treasures. It's worth the outer-borough trek, because it's gigantic and reasonable!

PRIMP

Mudhoney Hair Salon VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Mudhoney Hair Salon 85 Kenmore Street, NYC [SoHo]Mudhoney Hair Salon - my go-to for over a decade, this rock-n-roll & punk themed salon casts a sinister gaze at traditional frou frou salons. They're masters of the natural-looking brunette-to-blonde, as well as more adventurous dye jobs like ... Pink!

EAT | DRINK

Sant Ambroeus VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Sant Ambroeus 259 West Fourth Street, NYC [West Village]I still think this West Village outpost of the New York institution of Milanese plates is the best of all their locations - the outdoor seating on picturesque Perry Street wins out again & again.
Momofuku Ko VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Momofuku Ko 161 First Avenue, NYC [East Village]Momofuku Ko - David Chang's semi-secret 12-seat experiential foodie spot - reservations only taken online, weeks in advance, and the 15 course lunch is outrageous! I suggest the beverage pairing, as well, which included all sorts of insane sake, Japanese beers, and artisan liqueurs.

DISCOVER

The Flower District LOCATION: Flower District 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.This is still the go-to for everything from fresh flowers to towering fiddle-leaf fig trees. There's nothing better in your apartment or even as a "thank you" to someone you may have stayed with, than an exuberant floral arrangement that you assembled yourself!
Strand Bookstore VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Strand Bookstore 828 Broadway, NYC [Union Square]Everyone knows one of the best elements in a home is its books, and the Strand's selection rivals any I've ever seen. Aisles & aisles of discounted photography and artist monographs keep me busy here for hours. The trick is to be able to carry them all home once you make your selections.