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William: Tell me about the stunning fashion collection we’re featuring in our November / December edition. Benson: I’m honored you are showing this segment of the Collection. You’re showing works from The Phoenix in the Gilded Garden. I’ve been utterly mad about metallic fabrics lately and the gold tones have made themselves loud in demanding more of my attention. I’ve also been drawn, thematically, by the idea of the Phoenix which dies in fire and rises from its own ashes. These gowns are as much a statement of hope, in trying times, as they are about turning perspective forward. William: What aspects of the fashion industry, if any, would you like to change? Benson: Without hesitation I’d say the power that big box retailers have on designers and apparel production must be broken. We live in an age where they have driven a fast fashion economy which is dangerous to everyone at every level of production and which is ultimately damaging our environment. I’d also change the notion of seasonal fashion. I’ve personally done away with seasons in my work. Now there is simply “The Collection” We will drop maybe six new gowns on the market every month and six new suits. If it was available three years ago it can still be ordered. Fashion must become timeless again not something that is cycled every six months from closet to trash. Finally, I’ve worked here in Central Texas to begin the process of reshoring apparel jobs and I’m in the process of jump starting an apparel economy. In the 90s we sent 900,000 apparel jobs overseas in the name of fast cheap fashion. We must bring some of those jobs back home. That we absolutely must embrace diversity with the fashion and apparel communities. We must embrace it not only on the runways and in the atelier but at the very top. We must have people of color running magazines, heading fashion houses, and finally we must see the financial corporations that fund the entire industry led by men and women who are not white. We’ve got to stop paying lip service to the concept and totally embrace real effective diversity.
William: On a personal note, what are some of your favorite places to visit around the world? Benson: I’m particularly fond of the American West where there is cornucopia of surprising beauty to be seen. I’m also partial to scuba diving in Baja, California, I love Asia, especially Hong Kong and Macau, with its magnificent history and culture. Egypt and the Middle East are on my list of places to revisit as I’ve enjoyed their rich cultural influences on my work. I’m even now planning trips to Africa and Australia; two places I’ve never been. I need to find new experiences for distillation. William: What do you enjoy wearing during your visits? Benson: When I travel, I tend to go native where ever I’m visiting. I’m of the idea locals know best what to wear to suit the environment and climate. In Asia it’s simple tunics and trousers layered and often black or indigo. In the Philippines, while scuba diving at Cebu, I’m most often in a “Boluthoan”, a short men’s sarong, and barefoot. I also always take evening clothes for gala events if there are any on my itinerary and just in case I find my way onto a red carpet. William: What can we expect from Atelier Benson/ Manage la Mode in the future? Benson: We’ve spent the past three years quietly building our brand and supply chain, placing us on the precipice of launching a global initiative. I’m very serious about that “Sartorial Revolution” we plan to take the fashion industry and the emptors of fine fashion by storm. Expect total domination of the Fashion industry! William: What makes you happy? Benson: Being fortunate enough to wake up every morning to do the work I’ve so much passion for, watching children play, my dogs, and a good book. I’ve learned to truly enjoy all the minutes and the moments between those minutes. Thank you for taking the time to ask me such wonderful questions. I enjoyed being given cause to pause and think about some of the topics that you’ve touched on. William: Benson, thank you so much for your candor and enthusiasm. What an inspiring dialogue. l NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018
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