Brigade is a fashion brand founded by Aaron and Sarah Maldonado, and it has just launched its Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Many of the designs are influenced by cultural references despite being based in New York City. The team breaches its borders for the new seasonal range, drawing inspiration from Aaron's travels through Japan in the last decade.
There are also notable themes that nod to their Puerto Rican and Dominican roots. For example, the Young Lords polo top features silhouettes from Puerto Rican Young Lords marches. The first flag of Puerto Rico also details a Lares buttoned top as it is screenprinted right in the middle. "There is a war going on outside," details a camo graphic tee as well.
Image Credit: Aaron Maldonado
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Cultural Fusion Fashion
- Blending global cultural influences with local inspirations in fashion creates a unique narrative appeal that resonates with diverse consumer bases.
- Heritage-inspired Design
- Leveraging ancestral motifs and historical events in apparel design opens pathways to reimagining and preserving cultural stories through modern fashion.
- Personal Travel-inspired Collections
- Drawing design inspiration from personal travel experiences imbues collections with authenticity and depth, attracting niche markets seeking genuine cultural expressions.
- Culturally-inspired Collaborations
- Fashion brands collaborating with cultural artisans and communities not only promotes traditional crafts but also enriches product narratives.
Where This Applies
- Fashion and Apparel
- This industry is witnessing an increasing demand for culturally inspired designs that offer a sense of authenticity and storytelling.
- Textile and Fabric Production
- A resurgence of interest in textiles that authentically represent diverse cultural heritage pushes for innovation in fabric production techniques.
- Travel and Tourism
- An opportunity emerges to link travel experiences directly with fashion design, creating travel-inspired collections that celebrate cultural encounters.
