Les Benjamins makes its debut at Dubai Fashion week

Les Benjamins makes its debut at Dubai Fashion week
Drawing inspiration from the Altai region, the “Altai Turks/Altaicana” collection blends traditional cultural elements and modern fashion.(Supplied)
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Updated 08 February 2025

Les Benjamins makes its debut at Dubai Fashion week

Les Benjamins makes its debut at Dubai Fashion week

DUBAI: Les Benjamins, the Istanbul-based brand renowned for blending Eastern and Western influences, made its debut at Dubai Fashion week.

Led by creative director Bunyamin Aydin and by head of women’s wear Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin, the pair presented the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection on Wednesday.

Drawing inspiration from the Altai region, the “Altai Turks/Altaicana” collection blends traditional cultural elements and modern fashion.




Led by creative director Bunyamin Aydin and by head of women’s wear Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin, the pair presented the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection on Wednesday.(Supplied)

The collection draws inspiration from the Altai people’s harmonious relationship with nature, their ancient traditions, and the mythology that shapes their cultural identity.

Featuring a neutral color palette such as those found in nature, such as warm browns, forest greens and even pieces depicting mountain ranges, the collection is a direct reflection of nature.

The Saudi designer said the collection was inspired by her husband, the brand’s creative director.




Featuring a neutral color palette such as those found in nature, such as warm browns, forest greens and even pieces depicting mountain ranges, the collection is a direct reflection of nature. (Supplied)

“Bunyamin Aydin, our creative director, came up with the concept and direction. It’s about going back to his roots and Turkic Altai region,” she said.

When asked about her favorite piece, the designer said it was too hard to select just one.

“Some of my favorites are the green leather jacket with all the curves that represents the Altai mountains. My other favorite is the long red coat with sheep’s fur,” she said.

The show featured fashion influencers from the region including Jullz Bek, Basil Alhadi and Osied Al-Shwaihan.




The collection draws inspiration from the Altai people’s harmonious relationship with nature, their ancient traditions, and the mythology that shapes their cultural identity.(Supplied)

Lamia’s Saudi heritage plays a big role in the brand’s presence in the Middle East and the UAE, with special collections featuring Arabic letters and design elements.

Founded in 2011, Les Benjamins has outlets in the UAE and a strong online presence in the market.

The brand has collaborated with the likes of Nike, Daniel Arsham, Apple, Puma, and many more.

The city’s official fashion week, co-founded by Dubai Design District and the Arab Fashion Council, reinforces Dubai’s status in the international fashion landscape.

Hosting labels such as Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Carolina Herrera, Dubai Fashion Week has welcomed designers from all over the world while also fostering homegrown talent.


Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan star in boxing film ‘Giant’ to open fifth edition of RSIFF

Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan star in boxing film ‘Giant’ to open fifth edition of RSIFF
Updated 05 November 2025

Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan star in boxing film ‘Giant’ to open fifth edition of RSIFF

Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan star in boxing film ‘Giant’ to open fifth edition of RSIFF
  • Shivani Pandya Malhotra: This year we have 15 films supported by the Red Sea Fund, with six official submissions for the Academy Awards
  • Fionnuala Halligan: This is a festival for everyone; it’s really inclusive. From films for families and children to mature themes, the lineup represents a global cinematic conversation

JEDDAH: British Indian filmmaker Rowan Athale’s “Giant,” the boxing biopic starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan, is set to open the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The festival held a press conference on Nov. 4 at Culture Square in Al-Balad to announce the lineup and major highlights of the event, which takes place from Dec. 4-13.

Returning with the theme “For the Love of Cinema,” this year’s edition promises more than 100 films from , the Arab world, Asia and Africa, alongside exclusive screenings, industry initiatives and a renewed focus on women filmmakers and global collaborations.

Faisal Baltyuor, the CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, said: “Every year our priority is to connect with the public and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. This year we’ve introduced a dedicated space where filmmakers can meet audiences, along with a special area for children to experience cinema.

“The festival’s slogan truly reflects its foundation, nurturing passion and creativity from an early age. Through our new program, Rising Talents — The Voices of Tomorrow, we’re empowering young storytellers aged 10-16 across regions like Jazan, Makkah, Qassim and others. We’ve already received remarkable films, and it’s inspiring to see such quality and vision emerging from across the Kingdom.”

Shivani Pandya Malhotra, managing director of the RSIFF, expressed pride in the festival’s growth and impact, particularly through the Red Sea Souk, and said: “We’re really proud of what we’ve built in the market. The souk is now prominent regionally and globally. This year we have 15 films supported by the Red Sea Fund, with six official submissions for the Academy Awards. We’re also showcasing 37 women filmmakers from France to Taiwan and Palestine to Kenya, reflecting true diversity.”

She added that the souk was involved in 40 projects in development and production, and eight series in collaboration with Film Independent.

Fionnuala Halligan, director of international programs at the Red Sea Film Foundation, and who has joined the festival team for the first time this year, described the lineup as rich and wide-ranging.

She added: “This is a festival for everyone; it’s really inclusive. From films for families and children to mature themes, the lineup represents a global cinematic conversation.”

Among the key announcements, the RSIFF revealed its newly updated Red Sea Film Festival app, offering a seamless, eco-friendly digital experience.

The Arab Spectacular program will feature regional titles including “Palestine 36” by Annemarie Jacir; Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “Unidentified”; and “A Matter of Life and Death” by Anas Ba-Tahaf.

The International Spectacular will present global premieres such as “Couture” starring Angelina Jolie, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” “Scarlet,” “Farruquito — A Flamenco Dynasty,” and “Desert Warrior,” which was filmed in .