Umit Benan's 2017 Spring/Summer Collection Offers a Heavy Dose of Western Influence
Decorated yokes, piped pockets and more hit Benan’s East-meets-West fusions.
After introducing a Japanese-inspired range for Fall/Winter 2016, German-born Turkish designer Umit Benan is swinging back in the other direction with his latest collection of East-meets-West styles — and what better way to do so than with a nod to the old West and vintage Americana. Perhaps the perfect homage for a Benan collection given Americana and heritage wear’s popularity in Japan and in Tokyo in particular (a city Benan has frequented over the years and a constant source of inspiration for his collections), the Western sees its ubiquitous design cues employed throughout the range, whether it be decorated yokes or pipe-lined pockets on the shirts. Naturally, Benan pulls in other sources of inspiration, too, as stripes and baggy trousers recall the likes of his Parisian-centric Spring/Summer 2016 range while kimono-like embroidery and judo-inspired shawl collars provide an Eastern edge.
