There’s no brand that reps Istanbul like Les Benjamins. The streetwear brand founded by Bunyamin Aydin serves as a gateway between the East and the West.
Having flown in talent from across the world, Les Benjamins’ relationship to the global and local underground is exemplary. They’ve bought everyone from Heron Preston to Octavian to Turkey, and every time they play the perfect host.
We decided to see what all the hype was about and tag along with Aydin and his wife Lamia Aydin (who serves as the creative director of womenswear for Les Benjamins), and get a real tour of Istanbul, the LB way.
“I won’t take you to the Grand Bazaar” warned Bunyamin who steered us clear of tourist traps and took us to the hidden corners of the city where the underground art and music scenes are thriving.
Their tour of the city is much like their designs: it focuses on the mélange of East meets West, and how box can be blended together seamlessly.
Having just shown their FW20 collection in Paris at Palais de Tokyo, they show no signs of slowing down. They’ve managed to move into a more elevated version of their streetwear roots. Leather pea coats, pants and minimalist dresses were layered with shaggy faux furs and twin-sets.
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