Umit Benan Spring / Summer 2014
Umit Benan explored his Turkish identity in a collection he named ‘Efendi’– meaning ‘Sir’. Benin recreated the atmosphere of the Meyhane, a traditional meeting place for Turkish gentleman in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. Fez’s and mustaches acted as stereotypical icons of the designer’s nationality, allowing him to explore and examine his culture through clothes in a new and interesting way.
Three-piece suits were paired with Nehru collar shirts and kaftans placed over tailored trousers. Tailoring may have had an Eastern twist, but the choice of fabrics was positively Western. British mohair, plaids and Prince of Wales checks, the collection perfectly captures the vibe of the old Ottoman Empire’s status as a cultural melting pot where East meets West.
Annie Price
