LES BENJAMINS is an Istanbul-based platform - encompassing a retail space and lifestyle brand for men and women - founded in 2011 by Bünyamin Aydin presented its SS23 “The horse of the East” drawing inspiration from the western design codes of horse racing and incorporating the dressage of its Eastern lineage. The brand is an absolute illustration of the East in its distinctive sense. The collection translates towards a more ceremonial aesthetics with its streetwear cutsand lineage essence.

The creative director Aydin talks-“When I was living in Dubai, I was in Business Bay, and my house was close to Meydan, where all the big horse races take place. Lamia my partner would always tell me about her childhood, and how she was inspired by dressing up for the horse races she would attend, and create custom pieces for. It’s just like a fashion show,everyone dresses up.”

Hence, ranging the collection into two different stories- The one tracing the modern understanding of the horse racing silhouettes and technicality towards tailoring of bomber jackets, knee-length shorts, bralettes and maxi skirts for the womenswear. The second expands on the intention behind the ceremonial dress and the rich history of horse racing in the East.Throughout tailoring, hand-crochet adds a layer of warmth, meanwhile hand-stitching and embellishments give a sense of ritual — an element that also draws from the rich history of the Bedouins, and their relationship toward horses.

Accessories including metal plates, horseshoes and tassels are dutifully stitched onto tailored pieces, juxtaposing the Western formality of horse racing with the Bedouin lifestyle. The brand’s signature Turkish carpet print formed the grounds for menswear and womenswear, both.Aydin says, "The Horse of the East“ is a mysterious approach on who and what the horse is,and what it is about. The horse race and the ceremony.