Under the creative direction of Bünyamin Aydin and Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin, Les Benjamins takes us on a vibrant journey through the stories of the East with a show set in Istanbul for Fall 2024. The collection, Eastern Punk, dives deep into the roots of Turkish punk culture, honoring the legendary Tünay Akdeniz, a key figure in Turkey’s punk movement of the 1970s.
This season, the brand reimagines punk by weaving together traditional Turkish motifs with rebellious, cutting-edge designs. Infused with the essence of punk rock, Eastern Punk plays on the tension between rich cultural heritage and modern attitude, a cultural bridge, linking the past with the future. Breathing fresh life into historical elements while embracing a forward-thinking, daring style.
A central theme of gender fluidity runs through the collection, with bold, asymmetrical cuts and distressed textures defining the silhouettes, fuses tradition with the avant-garde, encouraging a fresh take on rebellion through the lens of Turkish heritage. The color story ranges from neon pinks and fiery reds to deep purples and sleek blacks, creating a striking mix of brightness and depth. The outerwear features intricate trompe l’oeil patterns, cleverly blending traditional Turkish designs into contemporary shapes, while printed denim mimics the look of soft leather. Pleated skirts in varying lengths and fabrics are designed to be worn by anyone, making the collection inclusive and versatile.
The visual language of the collection draws from punk’s collage-style album art, while also incorporating the refined beauty of Turkish calligraphy, ancient rug patterns, and Eastern symbols. Punk elements—think studs, zippers, and frayed finishes—add a gritty edge to the traditional influences. Patchwork details, featured on everything from tailored suits to leather pieces held together with safety pins, capture the defiant energy of punk rock.
This season, Eastern Punk invites you to embrace the rebellious spirit and explore the rich cultural intersection between Turkish heritage and punk rock’s fierce attitude.