Brigade Debuts Spring/Summer 2026
Streetwear label Brigade raised the bar with its debut Spring/Summer 2026 collection, featuring bold graphics, technical fabrics, and a blend of utility and style. The drop is earning early praise for its mix of progressive silhouettes and street-level credibility.
New York-based Brigade was founded in 2014 by Aaron Maldonado, who started the brand with just $500 in tips from his job as a pizza delivery driver. A near-fatal car accident served as the catalyst for Maldonado, the son of a local streetwear label owner, to pursue his own brand. The brand's name, Brigade, is meant to evoke a sense of a militia or a unit for those who feel like outsiders, a reflection of Maldonado's own experiences growing up. This ethos of community over commodity is a core tenet of the brand, which often collaborates with local New York artists, musicians, and stylists. Before evolving into a primarily cut-and-sew operation known for its refined edge, Brigade started with printed T-shirts and basics. Maldonado, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, often incorporates cultural and heritage references into the brand's collections. For its Spring/Summer 2026 debut at New York Fashion Week, Brigade collaborated with luxury fashion brand Off-White on a special edition "STAFF" T-shirt for Off-White's "POP ROMANCE" runway show. This marks the first time Off-White has made its "STAFF" shirt available for public purchase. The collaborative tee's design features eagle and flag motifs, elements present in both Brigade's and Off-White's work. The design incorporates over a dozen national flags, including nods to the heritage of Off-White's creative director IB Kamara and Brigade founder Aaron Maldonado. The shirt is priced at $125 and is available for pre-order on the Off-White website.
