Back to the roots.
For Spring/Summer 2018 Les Benjamins has imagined a world where streetwear meets Aboriginal culture. A magnificent voyage into Australian heritage, twisted with the signature modern touch of Bunyamin Aydin, Les Benjamins’ founder.
The collection comprises of strong statement prints inspired by 17th and 18th century paintings and delicate materials embellished with embroideries. The collection shows excellent craftsmanship with hand-painting techniques and collages mixed with Aboriginal symbols also used.
Read the exclusive interview with Bunyamin Aydin and view the full look book featuring Luka Sabbat and Adriana Mora below:
I was highly curious about Asia Pacific and wanted to discover the history of Australia and New Zealand. The contrast between the past and today is what inspires me as a designer. These countries are at the edge of the East. Aboriginals, Islanders, and Maori people are the natives and their cultures, traditions and rituals are rich in culture. I take on the challenge to translate it to today by applying it on modern shapes and oversized silhouettes. You can see minimal details in my collection that are inspired by traditional clothing, face paint, and art from the region fused with British colonial details like royal and floral embroideries.
A melting pot of cultures of Asia Pacific.
The all over carpet poncho is my favorite because it gives a huge canvas for the story I’m trying to tell this season. Every season I design a carpet jacquard that is actually the representation of the season’s inspiration.
This season I have used a lot of embroidery techniques mixed with printing techniques. Jersey is still a very important type of fabric and we now have a full-on women’s collection. We have some pieces with hand painting techniques, thread embroideries, print collages mixed with Aboriginal symbols.
