If you’ve been paying much attention to the #menswear world in the past month, you’re probably aware that the highly anticipated brand 18 East recently launched. This menswear line is the brainchild of Antonio Ciongoli, who left Eidos last year after re-launching the brand several years ago. Like many others, I was a big fan of his work at Eidos and have been excited to learn more about his new project. And fortunately for us Californians, we’ll have an opportunity to see everything in person next week.
First, a bit more context – 18 East, under the brand Roller Rabbit, focuses on small batches of garments with heavy amounts of handwork and other traditional manufacturing techniques. The products are mostly produced in – and heavily inspired by – India and Nepal, which are quickly becoming sought-after places to produce clothing (in large part because of the incredible textile and manufacturing traditions in these places). Ciongoli has said that rather than making large seasonal collections, the brand will have small collections released every two months.
While certainly not inexpensive, the prices are quite good, especially when compared to Eidos (likely in large part because the cost of production in India is dramatically lower than in Italy, but also because Isaia isn’t around to control pricing). Many of the pieces are more experimental than what you’d see from a brand like Eidos, but the lower price point makes it easier to give these styles a try. You can read more about the brand here and here.
Although 18 East does have an online store, the places where you can see their products in person are limited (and stock will vary from store to store). 180 the Store in New York is the first official retailer, but the other two locations are both in California and launch next week. Unionmade in San Francisco will be having a launch party next Thursday, and Magasin will do the same next Friday. Details for both events are below. I’ll be attending the Unionmade event and I hope to see some of you there!
