Since launching in 2018, 18 East has focused on one thing—making GORP-adjacent, texture-heavy, flowing men's apparel, all by hand. With drops timed almost weekly (and that often sell out in seconds), the New York brand founded by designer Antonio Ciongoli has garnered an obsessive following and collaborated with buzzy streetwear brands like Bodega and Paterson. Riding this wave Westward, Ciongoli has linked up with Portland's own Earth Studies (formerly it.Vanishes) for a first time collaboration dubbed "East_Studies."
The six-piece 18 East x Earth Studies capsule sees two distinct brands from opposing coasts come together for a rich, tonal, and perfectly crunchy collection of everyday wear for in town and on the trail. It drops today, 20 February 2023 at 12pm EST.
Unlike most "logo swap" collaborations, East_Studies represents so much more than just two cult brands sharing audiences to boost sales. Instead, it's the culmination of mutual admiration, a generous offer, and a new horizon.
"After handling the Earth Studies MP-103 last year and being blown away by the overall design and detailing, I knew I had to introduce them to our manufacturing partners in India," explains Ciongoli. "Producing in Jaipur has unlocked so many opportunities for 18 East because our partners are so talented, motivated, and open to trying to utilize their expertise in new ways. I wanted to share that with Earth Studies because I couldn’t wait to see the product that I knew would come from that partnership. Once they were up and running over there I sent them over a photo of some hand woven fabrics we’d developed that I thought they’d appreciate and asked if they’d be open to doing something together. As a fan, I was just happy they said yes."
As for the actual collection, it's a balanced blend of staples from both brands—tops and bottoms with contrasting, asymmetrical patch pockets, deep pile fleece with more exaggerated "foraging" pockets, and patchworks of handwoven textiles. Did we mention the pockets?
If you do nothing else, peep the MP-103 Field Pant. Then the Orcas Fleece. Embrace the Bigfoot vibe. Get cozy. Support small business.
East_Studies is available as of 20 February 2023 9am PST/12pm EST from Earth Studies and 18East directly. Prices range $45 to $270.
Published 02-20-2023
