On Wednesday, March 21, I attended “Benjamin Cottrell Designs Spring Fashion ENVY” at NV Penthouse, and yes, there is much to envy about this event producer and designer. Following the event, I was able to have a few words with the man himself. We discussed everything from his current projects, future projects, and how he gives back. Check out the interview below post-celebration.

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Now, that was a kick-off party, Ben! What was your inspiration for having an event of this nature?

It’s just the beginning of the Spring Fashion Season here in Chicago. What better way to kick-off the season than throw a party for all of my closest fashion industry friends! This was really a way to get great people together that have supported me and my company this past year. Additionally, some of the proceeds from the kick off event will go to One Hope United.

Benjamin Cottrell Designs, which is an innovative, full-service design firm, specializes in fashion and runway show styling and production. We’re known for bringing our signature high-concept set designs to each experience we create. We find the perfect venue to host your event, cast models, manage the backstage, and direct the runway. 

Whatever you need, our team makes it happen!

 

I keep hearing about this fabulous team; who’s involved?

I have the best team in the industry!

 Assistant Producer – Ignacio Maldonado

Backstage Manager/Lead Stylist – Joseph House

Backstage Manager – Shawna House

Stylist – Ryan Owens

Public Relations – Drew Reidenbach and Janiece Noel

Behind the Scenes Videographer – Tony Rizzo and Erika Barreto

Behind The Scenes Photographer – Donna Binbeck

 

I love how well-rounded your team is, and it’s definitely full of creativity and talent. So, what do you have coming up?

MARCH:

March 18/2012 – Borris Powell Designs “Without A Shadow of a Doubt” Fashion Show at River East Art Center

March 21/2012 – Benjamin Cottrell Designs Spring Fashion Season Kickoff Party at NV Penthouse

March 24/2012 – Red Pump Project’s “Rock the RED” Fashion Show and Fundraiser at Society Art Gallery

APRIL:

April 4/2012 – Ladies Night Chicago, Lap of Luxury Event and “SPRING FLING” Fashion Show at Grossinger Autoplex

April 10/2012 – Fashion Industry Mixer at Julia Hadi Gallery

April 13/2012 – GOCA Designs Fashion Show at Room 1520

April 28/2012 – One Hope United fundraising Fundraiser and Fashion Show at Mercedes Dealership on North Ave.

April 2012 – CLEONS Clothing 10-year anniversary celebration and fashion show at Board Room

MAY:

May 15/2012 – Fashion Connect “Behind the Scene” Fashion Show

May 2012 – “Cancer is so Last Year” by American Cancer Society

May 2012 – Ladies Night Chicago May event

JUNE:

June 15/2012 – The Victorian Ball in the 21st Century at Stan Mansion

June 28/2012 – 50 & Beautiful Fashion Show

June 2012 – Ladies Night Chicago June event

 

Congratulations on all of your bookings! You’re such a busy person, and you still find time to give back to the community and your profession. You’re actually involved with a fundraising event for One Hope United in April. Can you tell me more about this organization and event?

One Hope United is a great non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families in the Chicagoland area. Many of our fellow fashion industry people are involved with this organization, including Jenaeth Markaj, Marco Foster, Sarah Vargo, Shari Duffy, and Glenn Murray. This season, we will be throwing a large fundraiser for One Hope United at the Mercedes dealership on North Ave. It will feature entertainment, food, dancing, and a silent auction. Benjamin Cottrell Designs will be the producer for the event.

 

Oh wow, that’s a huge deal, and you have another charity driven event this Saturday, the Rock the RED yearly fundraising event. 

Yes. Rock the RED Fashion Show is a yearly fundraising event put on by the Red Pump Project. The Red Pump Project is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Using the red pump as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS,
we want to show that “Awareness is Always in Style!”

Comedian Kim Coles will join us as the host of the event this year along with some of Chicago’s top fashion designers who will be showcasing their collections including: Borris Powell Designs, GOCA Designs, CLEONS Clothing, Khojo Dresses, StudioAlade, and Shavonne Dorsey. Accessory designers showcasing are MOTO Handbags and D’Haute Jewelry.

We are ready to ROCK THE RUNWAY!!!

 

And I know you will! Well, you know Fashion and Arts Humanity Fete is all about giving back and being involved with the community and others. In what other ways do you give back, in particular the fashion industry?

I contribute a great amount of time to the fashion industry. Whether it’s being supportive of new designs, helping out with fundraising events, or just giving new people in the industry opportunities to be involved. I dedicate a lot of my time to
organizations and projects such as One Hope United, the Red Pump Projects, and The Aparecio Foundation. I also attend as many events as I can, even if I am not involved, to support what others are doing. We are all in this together. It’s great to pay it forward and give back!

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If you would like to inquire about booking Benjamin Cottrell Designs for your next event, contact him at Benjamin@benjamincottrelldesigns.com. You may also find him on Facebook!