Last week designer Chris Benz was in L.A. to a hobnob with his West Coast clientele and engage in a little revelry with pals including Eva Amurri and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Here he blogs exclusively for StyleList about his travels (including a trip to Disney's new theme park).

Greetings!

As with all of our trips to L.A., it was an absolute whirlwind. We had two very successful trunk shows, one at the delightful boutique Beckley, in West Hollywood, and also at Saks Beverly Hills, to debut our Fall-Winter 2009 fur collection. I am used to working with the samples, so it is refreshing to see the designs in their final location on the racks. Everyone was loving the Fall crispy taffeta dresses and the lippi cat-printed fur jackets.

On Friday, my dear friends Thomas Weems and Hill Salomon hosted an intimate sunset cocktail party at their dazzling 1920's home in Venice. Everyone was tan and colorful and had a terrific time sipping ginger-spiced cocktails provided by Hennessy Black.


We set up mannequins in the attic of the house with looks from the Fall collection, which lured the guests all throughout the house. Everyone knows the best kind of party is a house party! I got to catch up with all of my L.A. friends like Cuba Gooding Jr., Eva Amurri, Rob Weiss, Brad Goreski which was really special. Catherine Hardwicke came by to say "Hi" and I have to say, it was a such thrill to meet the director of Twilight!

On Saturday we got up super early and spent the whole day at Disneyland. I hadn't been since I was really young and it was as spectacular as I remember! We even had time to cruise through Disney's new California Adventure Park and go on the most amazing roller coaster that shoots you out like a pinball machine. I ate about 27 churros and I think we actually went on every single ride. Whew!

Yesterday it was wheels-up back to NYC. We encountered yet another roller coaster ride while trying to land in a huge thunder and lightening storm. Thankfully we all made it back safe and sound, with another set of wonderful summer memories.

xx,
Chris