Benzene is a new streetwear brand built on a specific kind of modern contradiction. It is rooted in Palestine, produced in Portugal, and based in Barcelona. Its founders describe it as an attempt to transform irony into clothing, directly confronting the absurdities of contemporary life.

The brand is the product of a long-standing friendship between four individuals with distinct backgrounds. Ahmad Zaghmouri is an artist and the founder of the record label BLTNM. Omar Radejko is a restaurateur and the director of a mutual aid organization. Saif Milhem, who began making embroidery designs in the back of his pharmacy in Ramallah, is the production director. Matt Degn, a partner in Omar’s restaurant, handles administrative duties.

Ahmad and Saif grew up together in Ramallah and reunited with Omar and Matt years later. They discovered a shared vision for a brand that could unite their different experiences. The name “Benzene” itself is an ironic gesture, reflecting their fondness for combustion engines while committing to using only environmentally friendly materials. This contradiction is central to their identity.

The campaign was shot in Marseille. The city’s multicultural energy provided a backdrop for their manifesto. They featured a community of chefs, artists, and skaters, voices they feel are often overlooked.

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