Rediscover Adventure: 18 East's \"Take Me Home\" Collection - A Journey Back to Camp Billings
A Fusion of Nostalgia and Practicality in Seasonal Apparel
Driven by the cherished memories of founder Kenny Ciongoli's summers at Camp Billings in Vermont, 18 East proudly launches its annual Summer Outdoor Capsule. This collection seamlessly merges enduring utility with a deeply personal, nostalgic aesthetic, crafting pieces that are ideal for outdoor excursions and adaptable across various seasons. The "Take Me Home" initiative symbolizes a return to simpler times and authentic experiences.
The Founder's Personal Connection to the Collection's Genesis
Kenny Ciongoli's inspiration for this capsule stems directly from his formative years spent at Camp Billings. He recounts his nine summers there, first as a camper and then as a counselor, describing the location on Lake Fairlee's eastern border as a place of profound self-discovery and the genesis of his appreciation for the natural world. This personal connection imbues each item in the collection with genuine sentiment and a unique story.
Embracing Timeless Design and Vintage Flair
The collection showcases a variety of design elements that evoke a sense of timelessness and vintage charm. Notable features include intricate sashiko-inspired stitching, soft washed fleeces, and graphics that harken back to classic retro styles. A particularly prominent piece is a brown checkered shirt adorned with delicate hand-stitched embroidery, alongside the RC2 Fullzip, a cozy garment crafted from high-pile sherpa with striking contrasting nylon accents.
Celebrating the Spirit of Camp and the Outdoors
Ciongoli emphasizes how Camp Billings fostered his independence and deepened his connection to nature, themes that are central to this collection. Reflecting this, many items feature a bubble-letter "Camp Billings" logo, prominently displayed on a vibrant green Rugby shirt and playfully incorporated into primary-colored nylon swim trunks. Accessories such as an outdoor backpack and traditional caps are embellished with appliques designed to mimic authentic Lake Fairlee/Billings decals and iron-on patches, further reinforcing the collection's thematic roots.
An Experiential Release: The Camp Store Zine
To complement the apparel collection and further immerse consumers in the narrative, 18 East has produced a dedicated "Camp Store" zine. This special publication delves deeper into the camp memories that inspired the collection, offering detailed insights into the key pieces through compelling photography by Vinny Picone and personal reflections penned by Kenny Ciongoli. The zine serves as a tangible extension of the collection's story, inviting a more intimate engagement with its origins.
Availability: Connecting with the Collection
The complete 18 East Summer Outdoor Capsule, along with the accompanying "Camp Store" zine, is now accessible to the public. Enthusiasts can explore and acquire pieces from this unique collection through the official 18 East web store and at select physical retail locations.