Les Benjamins FW24 a rebellious love-letter to the Eastern Punk
Les Benjamins FW24
In a sartorial venture that blends cultural roots with contemporary rebellion, Les Benjamins, led by the visionary creative director Bünyamin Aydin, unveils its Fall 2024 collection titled “Eastern Punk.” A clear progression from their previous Les Benjamins FW23 New Wave collection, this season, the iconic fashion house takes us on a modern odyssey through the intricate narratives of the East, set against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul.
Aptly named Eastern Punk, the Les Benjamins FW24 collection pays homage to the rebellious spirit of Turkey’s 1970s punk scene, with a particular nod to the legendary Tünay Akdeniz. Bünyamin Aydin expresses his creative vision, stating, “Once you reconnect with your roots and the origins of how music genres started in your hometown, only then can you continue building new movements. I wanted to reintroduce these Turkish cultural treasures to the youth.”
The collection masterfully weaves together the threads of Turkish heritage with the raw essence of punk, resulting in a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. Eastern Punk boldly explores gender fluidity, featuring audacious silhouettes, distressed finishes, and fearless asymmetry. A vibrant color palette, ranging from vivid pinks and yellows to blazing reds, seamlessly merges with deep purples, opulent burgundies, and sleek blacks, creating a visual symphony of contrasts.
Trompe l’oeil details are employed in outerwear, showcasing classic Turkish patterns, and printed denim cleverly masquerades as supple leather. Pleated skirts, designed for individuals of all genders, add a thoughtful touch to the collection’s diversity.
The visual narrative of Eastern Punk draws inspiration from diverse sources, from punk album covers’ cut-and-paste aesthetics to the graceful allure of Turkish calligraphy, ancient carpet motifs, and Eastern symbols. Adorned with iconic punk elements like studs, zippers, and unraveled textures, the collection bridges nostalgia with the electrifying pulse of the underground music scene.
Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin, the women’s wear design director, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Our focus is on creating pieces that can be enjoyed by all genders, and there’s nothing more rewarding than to be able to share our rich underground music community with the world.”
Founded in 2011 by Bünyamin Aydin in Istanbul, Les Benjamins serves as a cultural bridge, connecting Western street culture with the lesser-documented East. The brand has garnered a notable following, counting celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Travis Scott among its fans, and collaborating with industry giants such as Daniel Arsham, Nike, and Apple.
Bünyamin Aydin, an influential cultural provocateur, brings his dual identity of German birth and Istanbul upbringing to the forefront as the creative director of Les Benjamins. Beyond his fashion endeavors, Aydin has emerged as a community leader, supporting emerging youth culture in the East and beyond. His collaborations with Apple, Nike, and his role in designing Turkey’s official 2022 Olympics kit highlight his influence and impact.
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