Ben Chmura is one of the many talented designers that wowed the Project Runway judges in season 7. Chmura is a able to bring together science fiction and comic books creating a retro-futuristic look that he is so well-known for. Continue reading to learn more about this talented designer.
How long have you been a designer?
I’ve been a designer for almost 9 years now, since graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design.
If you were not designing what is another career path do you think you may have selected?
I probably would have followed my original career path and become a comic book illustrator. I still have a passion for sketching and developing the idea of “characters.”
How does Florida fashion differ from New York?
Florida fashion is bit harder for indie-designers because consumers don’t necessarily look for them here. They seem to have a history of looking for either established designers or mall shopping because of its convenience. You also can’t design too fashion forward because it can end up working against you. Florida fashion is about wear-ability and not necessarily about concept, as most designers are trained. I feel lucky that I have had a few consistent clients that have purchased some of pieces in the last few years.
For someone that is pursuing a career in fashion design what advice would you give them?
I would tell them to listen to your instinct. It’s important to listen to your customer, but don’t change who you are as a result of it. If you keep editing due to feedback, you’ll end up losing what you had to begin with. It’s a fickle industry and not everyone will love what you do. If you’re able to hold up and maintain a thick skin to continue, then you’re definitely meant for this industry.
Your designs have been described as retro-futuristic, what inspires these looks?
My work is usually inspired by retro influences or elements and the juxtaposition of making that element modern through fabric or color. I’m a huge fan of taking literary works and reinterpreting them for modern times. Usually, through my research I end up coming across other elements that relate and make the collections multi-faceted, rather than one-dimensional. Music, sci-fi, comics, movies, architecture and historic fashion definitely make an influence on my designs as well
What’s you’re a favorite comic book?
My all-time favorite comic book series would have to be WildC.A.T.S. It’s a great blend of sci-fi, supernatural and reality. Plus, the costumes were incredible and the character development that went into the story was really interesting. The bonus was that Jim Lee illustrated and created the comic and he is legendary.
If you could design a costume/dress for any female comic book character whom would it be and why?
There’s a character from the WildC.A.T.S story line named Voodoo. She is a gifted woman who has the ability called “the sight,” which basically means that she is sensitive to spiritual elements and forces around her. But, her character was a very confident and modern woman that is the type of woman that I have in mind when I design.
It’s been said that Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs are a few designers that you admire. What do you love about each designer?
I have to add one more designer to my list of role models and that would be Nicholas Ghesquiere from Balenciaga because I feel that he has created such a unique direction for the house and really stayed true to the originality of the creator himself, while designing collections that have moved it into the future. I’m a huge fan and would love to be on his creative team! Proenza Schouler are such talented guys and have such a unique vision. March Jacobs understands how to transform eclectic ideas into covetable fashion. They all don’t take fashion too seriously and I admire that about them. They understand that’s not just creativity, but a business. I hope to become as evenly balanced as they are in my work.
Learn More About Ben
Face Book Fan Page www.facebook.com/benchmurafanpage
Being the offspring of fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion. She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.
Tags: Ben Chmura, designer, Project Runway
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