Les Benjamins Fall 2017. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
Having expanded into womenswear only one season ago revealing Spring 2018, the Turkish creative director of Les Benjamins, Bünyamin Aydin, has expanded his brand’s sphere of influence. Counting A-listers such as Rita Ora as loyal clients, and with a global demand for its edgy take on premium streetwear, the Istanbul-based maison is striding through a tipping point in its history. As the Fall 2017 collection drops into stores across the region and online, including a fresh line-up of womenswear to boot, Vogue.me speaks to Aydin about the evolution of his universally appealing design signature.
Founding designer Bünyamin Aydin of Les Benjamins photographed by Aqib Anwar. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
As the brand is still in the early stages of including womenswear in its collections, are you finding the creative process easier or more complex thinking for both ready-to-wear categories? Or does it free-flow for you creatively?
It’s exciting! The menswear has been on the market for about seven years now. Therefore, womenswear is being explored both by the consumers and me. Both have different personalities. I want the womenswear to have a sweet balance of street culture meeting a chic style. Well-tailored pieces meeting sneakers would be the right definition.
Les Benjamins Fall 2017. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
“Great eagles fly alone.” Tell us the story behind this statement prior to it appearing in the new collection.
The fact that eagles travel alone and have a strong vision surprised me. No bird can reach the height in the sky, nor can they see 5km radius. It’s reflected in my work as a designer; no one wants to talk about culture and portray the beauties of our differences. I see myself as an eagle that flies alone.
Related: The time is right for Arab streetwear brands
The recurring theme in your collections is to merge Eastern and Western influences. Do you think it’s more important than ever before bringing the two together? If so, why?
Les Benjamins is all about ethnic cultures all around the world. Through my vision and the collection’s theme, it merges with the street culture that came from the Western aesthetics. I blend culture with comfort.
Les Benjamins Fall 2017. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
What design element from this collection are you most proud of?
The oversized bomber jacket with the landscape of Mongolia on the back is my favorite piece.
If only one of your designs could represent who you are as designer, what piece (from any past of present collection) would it be?
I think again it would be the oversized bomber with the Mongolian landscape on the back – I really can’t get enough of it right now! It’s minimal and feels heavy yet comfortable when you wear it. But at the same time is empowering the beautiful culture of Mongolia.
Les Benjamins Fall 2017. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
Top of your playlist right now…
“All Night” by Mishlawi; “Bank Account: by 21 Savage; “Straight from Saudi” by Russ; “RAF” by A$AP Mob, A$AP Rocky, and Playboi Carti; “Funeral” by Myth Syzer and Ikaz Boi; “Tunnel Vision” by Kodak Black; and “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar.
Related: Vogue Arabia 2017 playlist by top designers.
Les Benjamins Fall 2017. Courtesy of Les Benjamins
September is coming. What are your plans for the big fashion month?
We will be showing our women’s collection to press and buyers in Paris during womenswear Fashion Week through private appointments. I will also be flying to LA for some exciting upcoming projects for Les Benjamins.
We’re watching this space.
Les Benjamins is available at Robinsons in Dubai; Harvey Nichols Riyadh, Kuwait, and Dubai; Bloomingdale’s Kuwait and Dubai; Corcel D3 Dubai, and online.
