18 East’s Antonio Ciongoli Explains How to Run an Independent Label on ‘The Dropcast’
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The Dropcast is Highsnobiety’s weekly podcast brought to you by Avión Tequila. Each week, we’re spotlighting an emerging brand that’s bringing something new to the worlds of streetwear and fashion. 18 East is one of the best new menswear labels out today. And on this episode of The Dropcast (our 69th episode…NICE), hosts Noah Thomas and Jian DeLeon are joined by the brand’s founder and creative director, Antonio Ciongoli.
We talk about Ciongoli’s past in menswear, designing for Ralph Lauren Rugby, Michael Bastian, and under appreciated line Eidos. Then he gives some wisdom on how to run an independent label today, and how he’s striving to build a brand versus simply sell product. He also tells us how he’s able to make such fire pieces while keeping the prices super reasonable. Like seriously, his pants are under $150 and his shirts cap out at $165.
Of course, it wouldn’t be The Dropcast if we didn’t talk about some of the week’s most fire pieces and news hits. From Kid Cudi’s upcoming animated series to new campaigns from Balenciaga, Ciongoli also dishes on how he feels about the Engineered Garments x New Balance 990v5s teased by EG’s Angelo Uruttia last week.
As always, we turn to Dropcast listeners to weigh in on the QOTW: How long will the dadcore style trend last?
As a dad himself, Ciongoli is no stranger to getting fatherhood fits off, and for that reason he’s probably the swaggiest dad in New Jersey. Listen to the episode to hear why the next wave might be dressing like your auntie.
Check out Highsnobiety’s Instagram every Monday for The Dropcast’s Question of the Week (QOTW) and then call The Dropcast Hotline at 833-HIGHSNOB (833-444-4766) for a chance to end up in a future episode. We’ll see you next week.
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