Fresh off the New York Fashion Week runway, designer Chris Benz is heading to Charleston Fashion Week next month to show his CHRIS BENZ Spring 2012 collection on the CFW runway and to judge our Emerging Designer Competition: East semifinalists. While in town, this CFDA 2004 Emerging Designer Award winner will also have a trunk show of his Fall 2012 collection, which Women’s Wear Daily called “a color-and-texture fest at its most exuberant,” at Hampden Clothing on King Street. In anticipation of his arrival, get to know the Prince of Color a bit better through this fun fashion fill-in-the-blank:

You should expect a collection inspired by Andy Warhol’s superstars go to Coney Island, with a nod to candy kids, from my CFW Spring 2012 Show. 

I’m most excited about the florals and ’60s-inflected prints in lime green, neon pink, and sherbet orange.

Believe it or not, I get inspiration from hotels and restaurants.

My proudest moment in the fashion business has been starting my own collection.

The craziest moment has been starting my own collection!

My favorite fabric to work with is silk faille because of the unexpected weight, texture and luster.

My mood board/inspiration wall is filled with vintage photography.

Most people don’t know that in addition to designing clothing, I also enjoy interior design.

My work space is my performance art and living space.

I describe my design aesthetic/signature style as slightly eccentric and casually elegant.

My design process involves a million sketches.

When I am working, I listen to NPR in the morning and jazz in the afternoon. I prefer to work to music without lyrics.

For even more about Chris, click here.

To buy tickets to the Friday night runway shows, including Chris Benz’s, click here.

For the full CFW schedule and more, click here.