HUGO and Les Benjamins' New Collab is a Celebration of Interculturality

Istanbul-based label Les Benjamins has just revealed a new collaboration with heritage fashion house HUGO. Coming together for the first time, the two brands bring forth a luxury capsule collection that merges their distinct understanding of fashion craftsmanship.

Behind the 18-piece range, Les Benjamins ties in its signature storytelling of forgotten tales by referencing the children of Gastarbeiter. Also known as “the key kids,” the brand weaves its story of independence and resilience into the narrative through specially designed motifs. A double insignia of two swans and an emblem of a rose is therefore found across the different garments symbolizing this story as well as the unity of HUGO’s heritage with its own brand history.

Continuing to explore the interculturality between East and West, streetwear and sartorial, and other contrasting elements, the collection sees the heritage house’s timeless tailoring at the heart of designs reworked with Les Benjamins’ contemporary cuts. These alternative silhouettes can be found on a boxy double-breasted suit and a co-ord featuring a gaping cut-out blazer. Along the lapels of each jacket, beaded embellishments hang in tones of red and black, complementing the aforementioned motifs.

Meanwhile, a raw-edged, carpenter-style set and bomber jacket are incorporated into the line, dialing down the formal feel. On the first, the brands opt for exposed red stitching to bring a contrast against the beige material. The latter, however, offers more of a statement look with dual branded patches, prints of swans, and red cuffs. With these, a selection of mid-layers – including a beaded collar shirt, a satin-lined corset, and printed T-shirts – are designed to be mixed and matched to bring an added dimension to looks.

Other takes on this smart-meets-street style come into play in an elongated necktie, canvas bucket hat as well as specially designed hosiery – an unconventional but useful addition to fashion capsule collections.

Take a closer look at the pieces in the lookbook featured in the gallery above.

To shop the HUGO and Les Benjamins capsule collection, head to the brand’s website now.