Celebrating Women in Fashion
Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin is the Womenswear Design Director at Les Benjamins, an Istanbul-based luxury streetwear brand. Born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Lamia pursued her passion for fashion by studying at ESMOD in Beirut. She now leads the women’s ready-to-wear, bags, eyewear, fragrance, and jewellery collections at Les Benjamins, infusing them with a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Through her work, Lamia is committed to empowering women in the Middle Eastern fashion industry, shaping the brand’s global presence while amplifying the voices of Saudi women in design.
١. From Passion to Profession: The Beginning of Your Journey in Fashion.
KHAMSA: Can you take us back to the moment you realized fashion was your calling? What inspired you to step into the industry, and how did your path lead you to Les Benjamins?
LAMIA: As cliché as it sounds, I’ve loved fashion since I was a child. Some of my favourite memories are of going through my mother’s closet and playing dress up with my sisters.
What pushed me to pursue fashion seriously, was a friend who convinced me to change my major and study fashion instead. As random as it may seem, that moment set me on my path.
Nearly eight years ago, after getting married, I joined Les Benjamins and launched the women’s line, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.
٢. The Creative Mind: Your Approach to Design.
KHAMSA: What does your creative process look like? Do you have certain rituals, inspirations, or unexpected sources that fuel your designs?
LAMIA: When designing a collection, the first step is in-depth research, always keeping the storyline in mind and focusing on how to translate it into clothing. I love watching movies, and one of my favourite aspects is the costumes—how every detail is designed to enhance the film and convey the story without overpowering it. This approach naturally influences my creative process.
٣. Building Identity: Defining Les Benjamins’ Womenswear.
KHAMSA: Les Benjamins has such a strong visual identity—how do you translate that into womenswear while keeping it fresh and authentic?
LAMIA: It may be ambitious to say that Les Benjamins Women represents every woman, but that’s exactly what comes to mind when I think of who she is. She is a mother, a lifelong learner, and an artist, strong, ambitious, and kind.
٤. Breaking Barriers: Being a Woman in the Fashion Industry.
KHAMSA: Fashion is often seen as a female-driven industry, yet leadership roles are still dominated by men. How have you navigated this space, and what changes do you hope to see for women in fashion?
LAMIA: Always focus on the bigger picture that’s the essence of my role. My priority is what I can contribute as a designer, how I can grow, and how I can develop my work, regardless of who is leading. I’m a low key person, and I prefer for my work to speak for itself rather than my position in the industry.
٥. Culture & Fashion: The Connection between Heritage & Work.
KHAMSA: Les Benjamins is deeply rooted in storytelling and cultural heritage. How do you bring your own background and personal experiences into your designs?
LAMIA: As someone born and raised in Riyadh, my heritage is an integral part of who I am, and naturally, it finds its way into my work. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions, art, and craftsmanship instilled in me a deep appreciation for storytelling through design.
At Les Benjamins, storytelling and cultural heritage are at the core of what we do, and I approach every collection with that same mindset. My background allows me to merge traditional influences with a contemporary perspective, creating pieces that feel both familiar and modern. Whether it’s through silhouettes, fabrics, or intricate details, I always strive to bring a sense of authenticity and cultural depth to my designs.
٦. Women & Streetwear: What’s the Future?
KHAMSA: Streetwear has long been associated with male energy, but that’s shifting. How do you see womenswear evolving in the streetwear space, and what excites you about that change?
LAMIA: I see this evolution as a natural lifestyle shift, our lives change year by year, and so does our perspective. Right now, I’m drawn to quieter, more minimalist designs, reflecting the simplicity I crave at this stage of my life. But at times, I also want to make a bold statement, and that’s where streetwear comes in it allows me to balance both sides of my creative expression.
٧. Advice for the Next Generation: Young Women in Fashion.
KHAMSA: For young women looking to make their mark in design, what’s the best advice you can give? What lessons have shaped you the most in your career?
LAMIA: Be authentic and stay true to yourself. Listen to feedback, but ultimately trust your instincts and believe in your vision. This industry is challenging, but always remember you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
