The upscale streetwear brand – best known for its East Meets West aesthetic – shares a fresh take on blending together relaxed, wearable pieces with the spirit of the Silk Road in its SS21 collection

The concept of journeying, wandering the globe in search of the undiscovered, seeking out new experiences, has been put on hold for many of us around the world. Our wanderlusts tendencies have, more or less, been grounded. Nevertheless, a select few brands have awakened our inner-dreamer, providing the creative side of our souls with endless inspiration when it comes to getting dressed in the morning – even if it’s just to go from the bedroom to the kitchen table, as we continue to work from homes.

Les Benjamins is one of those labels. The luxury streetwear brand, founded by German-born designer Bünyamin Aydin in Istanbul, celebrates the heritage of travelers within its new SS2021 collection, as it pays homage to the Silk Road.

“The Silk Road was historically critical for culture and trade, not only the trade of goods but ideas as well,” the founder and creative director notes.

Teaming up with British artist Neil Raitt, the streetwear brand unveiled two new prints that Neil created exclusively for the brand, in addition to a selection of pieces in earthy tones ones would see while traversing trade routes from East to West at the turn of the century.

“For this collection, I was inspired by the caravans that would carry goods along with this vast network. I enjoyed inventing the camels in painted form, and imagining the kind of goods they would be carrying, juxtaposing notions of luxury and labor,” Neil says. “My paintings weave together different landscapes, with repeating mountains and map-like compositions.”

Here, Bazaar shares a closer look at Les Benjamins SS21 collection.

For more information and to shop the collection online, lesbenjamins.com

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