SICKY

— FASHION — INTERVIEW
Les Benjamins presents "Wild Wild East" – the new fall/winter 2020 collection

Bunyamin Aydin, founder and creative director of Les Benjamins is touching the sky. With his designs, contemporary spirit and unique style he is positioning his brand at the top of streetwear.

In his new collection he takes us into the Turkish rock scene of the 70s with a powerful youthful energy. His Turkish roots and his overwhelming contemporary vision form a perfect combination for Bunyamin Aydin to create a new stream of global street culture.

We talked to Bunyamin Aydin to get to know him better and discover all the details about his new release.

PHOTOGRAPHY OLGAC BOZALP FASHION RAPHAEL HIRSCH

How did the idea of developing Les Benjamins come about? What is your balance sheet from the beginning?

I was always interested as a child in drawing, photography, and mixed arts. I wasn't aware of how much of that interest was more on the creative field. The designer that affected me most was Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo. Growing up in Germany I was very into Japanese culture as a teenager.

What is your client's profile? Which markets do you reach with the most impact?

I don't see them as clients. I see them as a community member. Les Benjamins is more like a movement of youth culture. Europe and the Middle East are the most dominant markets for now. Istanbul is definitely our strongest city.

Just a few days ago, you successfully launched the new fall-winter collection. Tell us about the process and how you have lived it.

I was always curious about my father's and mother's upbringing being of Turkish heritage. I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rage Against the Machine, and Metallica.

Once I discovered the psychedelic rock movement in Turkey, I was shocked that it was even existent. Sometimes we take things for granted. That's when I realized that every culture has subcultures and movements that are undiscovered. This spirit inspires me today to unfold stories in the entire Orient. Baris Manco, Cem Karaca, 3 Hurel, Mogullular or Selda Bagcan are all significant names that make up an Anatolian rock, which inspired me to design this collection titled "Wild Wild East". I highly suggest you listen to their songs and watch old music videos; you will understand my references in the collection better.

In the new collection, we see an extensive catalog of new designs and a very contemporary air. What have been your inspirations or references?

I had many phases in my life. I was emo, a punk, metalhead, and later stage deeply into hip hop/grime, etc. At your teenage phase, I guess you're trying to discover who you are as a person. This collection represents the rock phase of my upbringing. Tailoring was introduced with a hybrid emphasis on street culture-inspired silhouettes. The iconic carpet pattern of Les Benjamins I decided to make it tonal and embed it within shapes and panels inspired by psychedelic album covers.

Where would you like to take your brand in the next months or years?

I would love Les Benjamins community to grow globally. Germany is a significant part of who I am. I'm a german citizen and proud of it. Therefore, my upcoming aims are to open one flagship store in Germany in 2021. The store will be a community space for creatives interested in fashion, art, music, and youth culture.

What is your next step? Any future projects you can anticipate?

Les Benjamins Berlin Flagship store. We just launched our global e-commerce digital flagship store. Les Benjamins is a designer brand but, at the same time, is evolving to become a designer and multibrand retail brand. I love the idea of designing your own collections and also inviting other designers to share your own space. I always loved the experience in New York when I visited Opening Ceremony. It inspired the new phase of Les Benjamins. Our digital flagship store will be carrying brands such as Haider Ackermann, Marni, JW Anderson, Rick Owens, Undercover, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Asics, Converse, Vans, and many more brands to come.

How did the connection with Alexandra Preusche × AP Studios come together?

The day I met Alexandra, we connected immediately and never lost touch. She is truly a very hard working and big support. Ben Birkl introduced me to Alexandra during Paris Fashion Week, a great friend that is very dear to me. If you are interested in cars, check out his Instagram @benswerkstatt.

Enjoy the new Les Benjamins collection in-store in Istanbul and online here.
You can also follow all the news of Les Benjamins on Instagram.

— FASHION — INTERVIEW
Les Benjamins presents "Wild Wild East" – the new fall/winter 2020 collection

Bunyamin Aydin, founder and creative director of Les Benjamins is touching the sky. With his designs, contemporary spirit and unique style he is positioning his brand at the top of streetwear.

We talked to Bunyamin Aydin to get to know him better and discover all the details about his new release.

PHOTOGRAPHY OLGAC BOZALP FASHION RAPHAEL HIRSCH

How did the idea of developing Les Benjamins come about?
What is your balance sheet from the beginning?

What is your client's profile? Which markets do you reach with the most impact?

Just a few days ago, you successfully launched the new fall-winter collection. Tell us about the process and how you have lived it.

I was always curious about my father's and mother's upbringing being of Turkish heritage. I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rage Against the Machine, and Metallica.

In the new collection, we see an extensive catalog of new designs and a very contemporary air. What have been your inspirations or references?

Where would you like to take your brand in the next months or years?

What is your next step? Any future projects you can anticipate?

How did the connection with Alexandra Preusche × AP Studios come together?

Enjoy the new Les Benjamins collection in-store in Istanbul and online here. You can also follow all the news of Les Benjamins on Instagram.