Creativity is a path. Not always straight but always alive. It is a journey among voices that echo our own. Some guiding us forward, some simply walking beside us, reminding us that presence itself can be enough. From the very beginning, our paths have intertwined like stories meant to meet. Even before Based İstanbul took physical form, when it was still just an idea Bünyamin chose to walk the same path with us.

When you are trying to turn a dream first into your profession and then into your reality, the most precious asset you can have is the eyes that truly believe in you. That’s why I believe that creative people, no matter where they are or under what circumstances, always find one another. When they recognize the same determination, the same drive, they know it instantly and when those familiar feelings merge, they turn into an irreplaceable friendship. Just like what I see in Lamia and Bünyamin. The way two people can complete each other so flawlessly, find in one another the strength to pour their whole being into their work and, above all, do it all with the warmth of a family is truly remarkable. Inspiring.

For all these reasons, and perhaps countless more that words can’t capture, Les Benjamins has been one of the greatest witnesses to Based Istanbul’s ten-year journey. And now, you’re with the duo I love dreaming with the most – the ones who never ask why or how, they just dream together.

DUYGU What does being brave mean to you in your own creative journey?

LAMIA Being brave is trusting your creative process, believing your vision and having faith in yourself.

BÜNYAMİN Being yourself. Expressing everything freely. Living in a state of flow.

DUYGU Can you recall a moment when you created something with no rules and no apologies?

LAMIA There were many, but my favorite would be the Julia Fox custom made looks.

BÜNYAMİN Skaters at Beşiktaş Meydan, the punk subculture in Istanbul, and the spirit of rock bands inspired me to create I Fly Carpets. It was a movement of pure self-expression with no filter. Pure rawness.

DUYGU How has fear — or the absence of it — shaped the way you express yourself?

LAMIA Fear was once an obstacle; it used to hold me back from taking that extra step. But over time, I learned to use it as fuel. Fear can be steered into something powerful, a driving force that pushes creativity forward instead of limiting it.

BÜNYAMİN Fear is always there. You can’t remove it. But it fuels you, drives you to push yourself as a creative. Without fear, there’s no progression. It’s a key ingredient of creativity.

**BÜNYAMİN** wears a smokin by Brioni. Brooch by Begüm Khan. **LAMİA** wears a jacket and shirt by Beymen Club, tie by Network, boots by Prev.

DUYGU What’s one decision you made for your art that felt risky but ultimately defined your voice?

LAMIA Starting our bags collection.

BÜNYAMİN Using carpet and rug patterns. In the beginning, many dismissed it—saying it belonged in the Grand Bazaar, calling it cliché. But over time, people saw that perspective and approach make all the difference. Today, Les Benjamins’ carpet and rug motifs are our statement logo pattern.

DUYGU If your creative works could deliver a single Brave Monologue to the world, what would it say?

LAMIA Don’t hold back or try to fit into what others expect. Real strength is showing who you are with all your layers, emotions, and roots. My work is about honesty and courage, reminding people that being true to yourself is the bravest thing you can do.

BÜNYAMİN Everything you think you know about the Near East, Middle East, and Far East lacks depth. To truly immerse yourself, you need to come and see. Istanbul showed me how misinformation and lack of curiosity shape how our subcultures are perceived. I believe Istanbul will be the city that unleashes youth culture movements from east to west. If you want to be part of our culture, you’re welcome to join us

DUYGU When the world is silent, what words does your courage speak?

LAMIA Keep on moving, life is too short. Live, love and laugh a lot!

BÜNYAMİN Reinvent. Don’t stop. Stay in motion. It’s going to be alright.

DUYGU When you stand at the edge of the unknown, what pulls you forward?

LAMIA The support of my husband, family and loved ones.

BÜNYAMİN Knowing that stagnation is worse than risk. Even if you move in the wrong direction, you can change paths. If you don’t move, you get stuck. You disappear.

DUYGU Do you think you are brave when it comes to life?

LAMIA I believe I’ve been brave so far.

BÜNYAMİN I do my best to stay balanced. Being overly brave isn’t always good — it’s about balancing your inner chaos.

DUYGU What does creativity mean to you?

LAMIA The ability to turn something from your imagination into reality.

BÜNYAMİN Bringing two unknowns together to create something new.

“Real strength is showing who you are with all your layers, emotions, and roots. My work is about honesty and courage, reminding people that being true to yourself is the bravest thing you can do.”

-Lamia Aydın

“Pushing boundaries can be lonely at first. But once your ideas start vibrating with others, it multiplies into an unstoppable movement. That energy fuels creativity.”

-Bünyamin Aydın

DUYGU How does pushing boundaries take shape in your reality?

LAMIA Pushing boundaries is something I believe in my personal and professional life, it’s like a test in so many ways and the outcome usually is something special.

BÜNYAMİN Pushing boundaries can be lonely at first. But once your ideas start vibrating with others, it multiplies into an unstoppable movement. That energy fuels creativity.

DUYGU Everyone goes through a phase of being a bit harsh on themselves. When and how did you stop apologizing for yourself and your decisions?

LAMIA After becoming a mother, I changed in so many ways and to the better of course.

BÜNYAMİN You constantly fall into that trap. The key is recognizing the pattern and opening your own life manual to find ways through it. We’re human—we’ll always judge ourselves, our choices, our state of being. What matters is showing compassion, kindness, and appreciating life fully. The best things in life are priceless: being with your friends, going for a walk, visiting a park. I’m trying to rediscover life and its meaning through those moments.

FROM BASED ISTANBUL N45 10TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE: BRAVE MONOLOGUES

Buy your copy now!

Cover Guest Lamia & Bünyamin Aydın
Creative Direction & Words by Duygu Bengi
Photography by Abdullah Yazıc
Styled by Emre Köklüçınar
Head of Talent Hair and Makeup Önder Tiryaki
Creative Group Head Yağız Yeşilkaya
Producer Tunga Yankı Tan
Creative Production by BI Creative
Special Thanks to Cansu Sıtacı
Creative Team Duru Ustaoğlu, Kerem Acar
Hair Team Batuhan Sancar, Enes Sakızcı, Mustafa Akgül
Make-Up Team Doğukan Tuncer, Esra Poyraz, Hazar Baştürk
Gaffer Onur Karaca
Photography Assistants Hakan Diner, Hamza Kazım Esen
Styling Assistants Elif Akpunar, Şimal Özyiğit
Editorial Brews by Starbucks Türkiye
Bites by Focamia