Photography Martina FerraraFashion / FeaturePunk and classicism collide at Les Benjamins AW16Entitled ‘Ottoman Punk’, the brand’s Milan debut saw a tattooed street cast joined by Sufi whirling dervishesShareLink copied ✔️January 18, 2016FashionFeaturePhotography Martina Ferrara Text Susanne Madsen Les Benjamins AW16 Right now, there’s a larger conversation in fashion about the crossover between cultures and a desire to promote togetherness and community through the things we wear. Since its inception in 2011, Istanbul-based Les Benjamins – headed up by Bunyamin Aydin who dropped out of university to found the brand – has worked around this idea, creating a mash-up of cultures with arresting digital prints and a name that reflects this philosophy: every language, nation or religion has its own version of the name Benjamin. For his Milan debut show, Aydin had extended his graphic jerseys into a “leisure wardrobe” shown on a tattooed street cast joined by Sufi whirling dervishes dancing in a quest for the source of perfection. Ottoman iconography was used across hoodies and kaftan-inspired silhouettes in a collision with sumptuous tapestry prints and faces from art and pop culture, like Salvador Dali with a Mohawk. Inspired by social movements throughout history, Aydin’s point of departure is desire to unite the East and the West – something that’s very much needed right now. Les Benjamins AW16Photography Martina FerraraEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingIlia Malinin breaks the ice – and his silenceHe does things on a skating rink that were once thought impossible. But the ‘Quad God’s’ setback at this year’s Winter Olympics brought new fire and energy to a skater seen by many as the greatest of all time Life & CultureFilm & TV7 sex worker-approved films about sex workMerrellFashionMerrell wants you to touch grass, and living in the city is no excuseMusicOlivia Rodrigo: ‘A breakup can be an opportunity to redirect your life’Music‘Korn is the cement of my being’: Portraits of metal fans in Mexico CityLife & CultureMorgan Rogers: The England player’s scenic route to stardomMusicUmbr-hella: priest goes to hell, says the demons were singing RihannaBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaPoliticsThe meaning behind Extinction Rebellion’s red-robed protestersEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy