The Talented Turk

Between attempting to scrub clean my filthy sublet apartment, then finding someone to professionally clean the space, to finishing it off myself with a vat and a half of deodorizers and disinfectants, my move to New York has put me on such a fashion lag that it is only today that I had been able to view and fully appreciate the wonder that is Umit Benan's Spring 2011 collection.

a snapshot of Umit Benan's Spring 2011 presentation in Milan

With this collection, the designer seeks to delve into the question "What is a man?" by experimenting with loose silhouettes all inspired by Turkish clothing. While the looks are markedly stylish, Benan says that if a man wandered into a Turkish village in these clothes, he wouldn't stand out. The result is something modern, yet clearly Eastern-inspired, and surprisingly flattering on not the most perfect of body types. My top picks:

I can definitely see this slouchy shawl/cowl lapel jacket being a wardrobe favorite of mine. I love how relaxed the lapel is in contrast with the rest of the finely-tailored jacket.

The three-piece drop-crotch navy suit, worn separately, or all together for full effect.

I'm quite impressed with his choice of model and am amused at how a man with both a gut and an unmistakable masculine presence that pierces through the computer screen can look good in droopy, dandy clothes. A couple more photos from the Milanese presentation, an affair that appears to have been as relaxed as the clothing being showcased:

note the kaftans and shawls and how they work seamlessly with the newsboy caps

the designer Umit Benan (in navy), with his models

photos via Dazed Digital