Brigade’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection officially debuted on Friday, April 18th, delivering a bold and deeply personal narrative from co-founder and designer Aaron Maldonado. Drawing from over a decade immersed in Japanese culture and his upbringing as a New York-raised with Puerto Rican and Dominican roots.
History in Thread: Embroidery and Resistance
This season’s pieces are built around experimental embroidery and weaving techniques, with Maldonado’s history providing the soul of the work. The standout Lares button-up is a perfect example, featuring the original Puerto Rican flag flown during the 1868 uprising against Spanish colonial rule, a historic rebellion long before American colonisation. It’s a visual protest, stitched in cotton.
The Street Speaks: Graffiti Codes and Function-First Fits
Brigade’s origins in the graffiti scene are reflected in silhouettes and design language across the collection. The new Pillbox Hat brings a twist to traditional headwear with its “all city” tag tucked inside, a quiet shoutout to graffiti crews that once left their names across boroughs. The matching F24 cargo suit is cut with pockets designed to hold a spray can.
Jesus Chains and Chinatown Gold
The lighter side of Brigade’s identity surfaces through playful jewellery motifs and the introduction of their first-ever Jesus Money Clip. It’s a nod to the streetwear jewellery, where Jesus pieces, made iconic by the likes of Biggie and Jay-Z, once ruled the city. Brigade reworks this into a clip. Chinatown influences can be seen throughout as well, acknowledging the district’s role as the go-to for affordable, authentic street gold.
Knitwear That Speaks Loudly
Maldonado closes the season with an exploration in knitwear. Here, Brigade leans into the bloke-core style that’s been gaining steam, but rather than parody it, the brand stays grounded. The Young Lords polo honours the Puerto Rican activist group of the same name, who pushed for justice and social reform in NYC throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. Their silhouettes march across the fabric, subtle, but loaded with weight.
Theo: The Mascot in a Scarf
Of course, Brigade knows how to have fun. The return of their football jersey now features Theo, the co-founders’ dog and unofficial brand mascot, sporting a silk scarf. It’s a full-circle moment of softness to counterbalance the rebellion.
