Latest news with #LesBenjamins
The National
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
A history of PlayStation collaborations, from McDonalds to Les Benjamins
Since the first PlayStation was released in 1994, the console and its successors have sat comfortably on the throne of gaming. Despite competition from Nintendo and Xbox, each generation of PlayStation has remained some of the bestselling, with the most successful of all being the PlayStation 2, which sold more than 160 million units. With its popularity comes the demand for co-branded merchandise. This past weekend, Turkish clothing brand Les Benjamins announced a collaboration with PlayStation to release clothes with the console's logo and tagline. The collaboration is the latest attempt by PlayStation to expand its brand and cement its place in pop culture. Here, we look at all the different collaborations with PlayStation over the years. Les Benjamins's PlayStation release includes three T-shirts, two sweatshirts, a hoodie, a bomber jacket, a polo shirt and jeans. All the items bear the PlayStation logo with the brand's name written in the console's recognisable font. The clothes also make use of the four shapes found on every PlayStation controller – circle, square, X and triangle. Last year, to celebrate PlayStation's 30th anniversary in December, Japanese clothing brand Beams released a set of hoodies and crewnecks that celebrated the gaming console. These were a lot more subtle in their representation and used the PlayStation's iconography in a minimalist way. German sportswear brand Puma also collaborated with PlayStation to release a line of colourful t-shirts. The Puma line used hues such as baby blue and violet to present a more playful side of the console. Alongside the shirts, Puma also released a PlayStation shoe collection that is closer in spirit to the console colours. The sports shoes came in black, white and blue and featured details that fans of the console will recognise. But biggest shoe collaboration for PlayStation was in 2021, when rapper Travis Scott and Nike released a special pair. The Nike Dunk Lows feature the signature Travis Scott reverse swoosh and the original PlayStation Logo with Japanese lettering under it. The cream and light blue footwear was an instant hit with collectors and PlayStation fans alike. Today, the shoes sell for upwards of $2,000 on marketplace StockX. PlayStation fans were given a chance to play with their food with the release of a pasta collaboration in 2023. British online supermarket Ocado and pasta makers Garofalo teamed up with Sony to create pasta shaped like the characters on the Sony controller. The PlayStation pasta was sold in a 500g bag that cost $2.92. The collaboration was the first of its kind for PlayStation, but it wasn't the first time the console was associated with food. In 2012, American fast food chain Taco Bell ran a promotion for participants to get a chance at owning the portable PlayStation Vita console. Four years later, the chain announced another promotion for a chance to win a special golden PlayStation 4 console, which has now become a sought after collector's item. The first documented collaboration between PlayStation and a fast food chain was in 2001, when McDonalds released a Japan-only exclusive happy meal toy that featured four characters from PlayStation games. The characters were PaRappa the Rapper from the game of the same name, Toro from Doko Demo Issyo, Pipo Saru and Chocobo from Ape Escape. There have been numerous releases of toys and collectibles that feature PlayStation game characters. Most recently, Sony released keychains that featured all the controllers and portable devices from its history. These keychains were only available in Japan and could be found at gachapon machines, coin-operated capsule toy vending machines. The most well-known collaboration for PlayStation toys and collectibles is with Funko. The company, which produces figurines that feature characters from pop culture, collaborated with PlayStation to release a line of some of its most recognisable characters. Some of the most popular of these are of Joel from The Last of Us, Kratos from God of War, Sam Porter Bridges from Death Stranding and The Hunter from Bloodborne. Many of the PlayStation Funko figures sold out immediately and can only be bought on the second hand market for exorbitant prices.
Grazia USA
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Everything You Need To Know About Dubai Fashion Week SS26
Photo: Supplied The countdown is officially on. Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), the region's most influential fashion platform and one of the fastest-rising names on the global style circuit, is set to return for its Spring/Summer 2026 edition from September 1 to September 6, 2025, firmly securing its position at the forefront of the international fashion calendar. Held at its long-standing home, Dubai Design District (d3), the city's beating heart of creativity, now celebrating over a decade of design innovation, DFW is once again poised to launch the global Spring/Summer season. As the very first stop before the famed Big Four (New York, London, Milan, and Paris), all eyes will turn to Dubai this September as designers, tastemakers, and fashion insiders descend on the city for a celebration of creativity, culture, and cutting-edge style. This edition follows a high-energy FW25/26 season in February, which saw a show-stopping finale by Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, international runway appearances, and a powerful spotlight on emerging regional talent, including Les Benjamins. February's schedule also featured immersive brand activations and exclusive citywide events, solidifying DFW's status as more than just a fashion showcase, but as a driving cultural force. The upcoming SS26 edition is set to elevate expectations, with a curated line-up of over 30 standout designers from across the globe, spanning France, India, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, the UAE, and the UK. With a mission rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural narrative, DFW continues to amplify designers who redefine conventional boundaries. From exclusive off-schedule events and designer dinners to global brand presentations across the city, this season will unfold as a multidimensional fashion journey. Attendees can anticipate appearances from globally renowned guest designers, private collection previews, and a dynamic Buyers Programme that connects leading international retailers from Europe, the US, and beyond with the region's brightest design talent. Founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week is rapidly becoming a pivotal voice in global fashion conversations, from the Middle East to the world.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Dubai Fashion Week set to return this autumn
DUBAI: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is set to make its return this autumn with its series of Spring/Summer 2026 shows, running from Sept. 1 to 6 at its longtime home in Dubai Design District (d3). For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ A post shared by Dubai Fashion Week (@dubaifashionweek) As the first event on the international fashion calendar — ahead of New York, London, Milan, and Paris —DFW's upcoming edition builds on the momentum of February's Autumn/Winter 2025/26 showcase, which drew widespread attention with headline-grabbing appearances by international models and a grand finale by iconic Indian designer Manish Malhotra. The season also spotlighted emerging regional voices, such as Les Benjamins, a correspondent member of the Arab Fashion Council, alongside global names like Paolo Sebastian.
Al Etihad
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
BRED Abu Dhabi: Festival of street music, fashion, food and sport
25 Apr 2025 00:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The coolest place to hang out this weekend has to be BRED Abu Dhabi, running from April 23 to 27 at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas its third year, the cultural phenomenon presented by Hypebeast returns to celebrate music, fashion, sport and art. Music The line-up of international headline acts includes rappers Nas and Nines, PARTYNEXTDOOR, rockers Adonis and Cairokee, as well as the BRED Abu Dhabi exclusive single "Hena" by Karim Osama, Asayel and The off the line-up is the likes of regional favourites Marwan Moussa, Afroto, Dana Hourani, Nayra, Odeal, Ilmond, and many more who are all looking to bring their high-energy performances to the festival's stages. Fashion If you're looking for streetwear, high-fashion, vintage finds, or fierce footwear, you're sure to find festival exclusives, customisation spaces and more to accommodate your Daily Paper and Turkiye's Les Benjamins return to the festival with new collections alongside Precious Trust and label Pieces Uniques and local wonders Mesmari, Wyld x Jeeski make their debut, while Sharjah-based concept store Basement has teamed up with barbershop The Lab for a mix of streetwear and fresh global names such as ASICS, JD Sports, New Balance, adidas, ANTA, Timberland, and New Era will also be offering everything from high-performance apparel to ready-to-wear staples, and multi-brand concepts like Sneaker District, TONE, and Foot Locker are set to launch exclusive product releases. Art Street art legend Futura will make a special appearance at the Les Benjamins space where you can get a signed copy of his latest book and shop the exclusive collection Futura x Les Benjamins. Additionally, LA-based Marwan Shahin, Lebanese illustrator Joelle Jabbour, Armenian-Syrian artist Stephany, and Emirati designer Shamma Bu Hazza will also be producing customised artworks exclusively for the festival. Food When it comes to food, BRED Abu Dhabi is renowned for its diverse offerings. On the menu this year is Oklahoma-style smash burgers, French-style steak sandwiches, New York pizza, Moroccan specialities, Mexican tacos, Jerusalem ka'ak, and a South African-style flame grill. Sport In competitions held over the five days, the TOP BALLER Gulf 1v1 Cup, presented by NUMBER 10 and adidas, will conclude, crowning region's top talent. The dedicated NBA 2K League Gaming Zone is also set to return, where you can see some of the best players live in action as well as take part in various interactive basketball-inspired challenges.
Arab News
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
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. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ 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. 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. '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 . 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.
