With its Fall-Winter 2023 collection, aptly named ‘First Wave’, Istanbul-based label Les Benjamins (Instagram) goes somewhere entirely new. Ignoring pre-existing understandings of Earth, the brand instead heads to something abstract and aesthetically distant. Creative Director Bunyamin Aydin takes us on a journey into the realm of an imagined desert landscape—a vision of what Earth’s first colony might look like.
Les Benjamins combines elements of futuristic sci-fi, gaming aesthetics, and traditional Eastern culture, weaving them into a tapestry of garments that evoke nostalgia for Earth even in the distant future. ‘First Wave’ is not just a collection, it’s a narrative of resilience, hope, and a harmonious blend of cultures.
The Vision: ‘First Wave’ isn’t just about fashion, it’s about storytelling. Aydin’s vision for this collection paints a vivid picture of a future where the memory of Earth endures long after its inhabitants have moved on. Garments are meticulously crafted with protective elements, featuring second-skin body armour, padding, and technical military silhouettes. Materials like leather, silk, and crepe meet hardware and functional, tech-inspired details, adorned with patches, tubes, and drawstring elements, all in oversized slouchy rave-style silhouettes.
The colour palette takes a melancholic turn, with deep shades of mahogany, swamp, and sylvan green. However, flashes of abstract neons and acid-washes in over-exposed Pantones inject a cyberpunk tone into the collection—a subtle symbol of humanistic hope in the midst of a dystopian backdrop.
‘First Wave’ paints a picture of a world where a new tribe has emerged in the desert. Each member carries their own nostalgia for the past and the East, yet they stand resilient, embracing the future with open arms. It’s a testament to the brand’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and create a unique narrative that resonates with people from all walks of life.
In an exciting development and timed to coincide with the launch of ‘First Wave’, Les Benjamins is forging a groundbreaking connection with South Korea. Aydin aims to bridge the gap between these two vibrant cultures and so the luxury streetwear brand teamed up with Korean retail concept Empty and renowned Seoul-based photographer Cho Gi-Seok to explore the fusion of Middle Eastern and South Korean cultures through contemporary fashion.
Aydin says of the initiative, “It has always been my dream to bring Les Benjamins to Seoul since the early days of the brand. Both Korean and Japanese cultures have had a major influence on my upbringing in Germany.”
To bring this fusion of cultures to life, Les Benjamins curated a series of immersive experiences across Seoul during the Fall-Winter 2023 season. Highlights included an event at Kompakt record bar and an exclusive partnership with Namyoungtak. A fashion pop-up at EMPTY during Frieze Seoul was followed by an exclusive after-party. With the brand’s groundbreaking connection with South Korea, we can expect to see an exciting new chapter in Middle Eastern fashion.
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