THE WATCH LIST: CHRIS BENZ
Chris Benz, the new head of women’s design at J. Crew, has been on the upward trajectory since he moved to New York from Bainbridge Island twenty years ago. He attended Parsons, interned at Marc Jacobs, was the creative director at Bill Blass and now has the big job. I’ve always liked his combination of self-expression and classicism, and look forward to his first J. Crew collection, (arriving Spring 2020). That he’s very involved in the renovation of his lovley home in Bellport is appealing, that he’s raising chickens is divine. Thanks for coming on the Watch List, Chris. Let’s bid, kids!
Vintage Midnight Valley Friesians Raglan T Shirt 80s XL Rayon Soft, $75
I have a real penchant for vintage T-shirts—I have quite too many actually, but it makes for a fun collection. I’m always on the lookout for unusual ones like this.
Cassell's Natural History 1884 volumes 1 through 5, $110
I really have no more room for furniture, so I’ve moved on to smaller things like old books to junk up my house! I also use antique books as hostess gifts when visiting friends or neighbors so it’s always good to have a pile at hand.
J. Crew Red Striped 100% Wool Retro Winter Ski Nordic Vneck L Sweater VTG 80s 90s, $70
Now that we’re reimagining the J. Crew brand I’m constantly culling through the archive both in-house and out in the world. It’s so exciting to come across styles you haven’t seen before—especially 1980s & 90s pieces.
RARE ART & CRAFTS OR DECO SPLIT REED, RATTAN, WOOD DESK, $2800
This desk has been on my watch list for about 10 years, and I just haven’t found a reason to pull the trigger. She’s a beauty, though.
1920s Purple Cotton Moleskine Cotton French Workwear Faded Distressed Chore Coat, $400
More is more with vintage workwear—one can never have enough. The OG modular dressing, anything workwear goes with everything.
Original vintage poster WILD TIGER ATTACK c.1950 Giant size, $1500
I love outsized poster art—I have a few big and bold pieces at home. This tiger circus poster is super charming and would be just terrific over a bed or a bathroom.
1960-70's LL Bean vintage / antique Wicker Pack Basket, $100
I have a big problem with baskets in that I have too many. I do love a sporty basket like this vintage L.L. Bean example. Perfect for picking pecks of peppers, I’d say.
GREY GARDENS 1976 original U.S. 1 sheet linen-backed, $1200
I think about Grey Gardens constantly—although I don’t have a framed poster, it’s definitely something I’ve had my eye on for a while.
Massive 14" White Crappie Real Skin Taxidermy Fish, $115
Nothing beats a really good fish taxidermy mount—I have a few in my kitchen in Bellport that add just the perfect amount of irreverence. My one rule of thumb here is to keep the species indigenous to the region.
THE WATCH LIST is a regular series where friends reveal their auction obsessions.