Amid the usual hustle and bustle of Paris Fashion Week Men’s, GmbH designers Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işık delivered a show that transcended mere trends. Their Fall/Winter 2024 collection, titled “Untitled Nations,” was a powerful rallying cry for unity and tolerance in the face of global discord.
The opening of the show set the tone. Instead of the usual pulsating music, Huseby and Işık took to the podium and delivered a poignant 10-minute speech addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader geopolitical tensions. They passionately called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The raw emotion, punctuated by a quote from Arundhati Roy, left many in the audience visibly moved.
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This wasn’t just a political overlay on fashion; it was woven into the fabric of the collection. Keffiyehs, traditionally Palestinian scarves, were reimagined as draped jackets in collaboration with the Social Enterprise Project (SEP) to ensure ethical sourcing from refugees. Prayer shawls inspired draped lapels, and a cracked United Nations logo adorned a hoodie, all serving as visual metaphors for cultural exchange and a plea for a united world.
Despite the collection’s heavy message, it wasn’t devoid of aesthetic beauty. Işık’s tailoring skills shone through in sharply cut suits and jackets, while Huseby’s eye for detail added subtle flourishes like croc-embossed leather and well-defined trousers. The juxtaposition served as a reminder that embracing cultural heritage and advocating unity doesn’t negate individual style or an appreciation for timeless elegance.
Read more: EGONlab Fall/Winter 2024 – Paris Fashion Week Men’s
©Photo: GmbH
