For the past several days, I have been posting articles on Who Is On Next, a competition created and organized by Alta Roma—Rome’s fashion week—and collaborated by Vogue Italia. So today, I would like to present another finalist, Umit Benan.Turkish designer Umit Benan was born 1980 in Germany where he began cultivating from a young age a strong sense of creativity and a profound interest in fashion.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in Business from Boston University, Umit plunged into a deluge of fashion studies, attending Central St. Martin College, Parsons School of New York, and Istituto Marangoni of Milan, where he obtained a degree in fashion design.
Umit's creations typically portray self-assured men with strong personalities, confident enough to be challenged by a touch of femininity.
He designed his 2010 s/s collection peering through the lens of photographer Slim Aarons, who captured on film the glamorous jet setters of the 60's, 70's, and 80's in their Caribbean playgrounds.
His collection, however, centers on a fictional character—a pre-revolutionary Cuban businessman in his late 30's, dwelling amidst the joys of luxury in a mansion and surrounded by an entourage.
Partying around the clock, the businessman of Umit's collection embodies the characters of Tony Montana in Scarface and Diego Delgado of Blow, an all-time favorite of Umit Benan!
I wish you the best of luck, Umit!
Slideshow 2010 s/s collection Copyright Umit Benan.
