A Personal Story Untold - LES BENJAMINS FALL/WINTER 22 “Herzlich Willkommen“

In my early years living in Germany, I always hid my identity and that I am of Turkish roots. Society is stuck on stereotypes, which have affected my childhood and hurt me. Over the years, I stopped this repetitive narrative and decided to celebrate my identity by designing collections that are inspired by Eastern stories and building an aware community that celebrates inclusion. Growing up in Neuss, Germany, I always remember spending time with my grandfather talking and playing games. He was my childhood hero. His sacrifice from Erzurum to Lunen Dortmund in 1965 as a guestworker, leaving his home, wife, and child behind in Erzurum, made me who I am today. It took him 4 years to bring his wife and daughter to Germany. This story by itself is true inspiration and motivation that kept me going. My Turkish-German identity fuel my creativity, and I’m proud of my Turkish roots that define who I am today. This upcoming Fall / Winter 22 collection reminds us all and pays homage to all our Almanci grandmot