In its Spring/Summer 2021 collection inspired by the Silk Road, Les Benjamins reinterprets urban and streetwear codes within a multicultural and historical framework.

The Silk Road serves as the main inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, represented both abstractly and tangibly. The collection evolves around restructured sportswear and traditional tailoring archetypes, creating new cuts and silhouettes.

Staying true to natural tones, the collection highlights hues reminiscent of the Silk Road’s desert and maritime trade routes. Sandy golden shades are paired with mandarin orange, terracotta, henna red, and oceanic purples and blues, evoking a rich and vibrant palette.

Paying homage to the ancient trade network that shaped civilizations, the collection incorporates silk fabrics inspired by deserts and seas, featuring shades of sand beige and ocean blue. Historical references to the Silk Road are seamlessly transformed into a contemporary vision within Les Benjamins’ designs.

The collection also showcases pleated fabrics and the iconic, diverse patterns of Turkish woven carpets, which have become part of the brand’s DNA. In the men’s collection, classic sportswear staples like hooded sweatshirts and tapered joggers stand out, while the women’s collection emphasizes dresses and tailored elements.

To present the collection, set against the backdrop of a desert oasis, Les Benjamins collaborates with British artist Neil Raitt. Raitt created two exclusive artworks inspired by the Silk Road’s desert and ocean themes, which are integrated into the collection as prints. Each piece was scanned to produce dual seasonal prints on silk garments, reflecting a modern aesthetic.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the collection, founder and creative director Bünyamin Aydın remarked, “The Silk Road was historically a critical route for culture and trade—not only for goods but also for the exchange of ideas and cultural interaction.”

Neil Raitt elaborated on his contributions, saying, “My works combine landscapes, repeating mountain ranges, and map-like compositions. For this collaboration, I drew inspiration from the large caravans transporting goods along the Silk Road. Reinterpreting camels with painted designs and imagining the luxurious and laborious nature of their cargo was an enjoyable creative process.”

Les Benjamins merges the richness of street culture with traditional heritage once again, creating a multi-ethnic collection rooted in enduring contemporary harmony—garments designed for real people.