This Riyadh-Based Streetwear Brand Is Coming For Your Wardrobe

Streetwear has been around for decades, but for the last couple of years it has been influencing a new era of fashion. With the pandemic, and its series of lockdowns and WFH (working from home) being the new normal, comfortable clothing is now fashion biggest trend. Not only a trend, it has become a style on its own. And once we went there, I find it hard to believe we will ever go back. The mere idea of squeezing ourselves again in tight dresses and high heels seems exhausting. Dressing down is definitely the new cool. But dressing down does not mean looking slob, and streetwear brands are constantly reimagining themselves to give us some smart, stylish, cool yet comfortable designs.

When it comes to the Middle East fashion, mostly known for glamorous designers, a new breed of streetwear labels is changing the rules and redefining fashion. One of these labels that caught our attention is Riyadh-based brand 1886.

Since its launch in 2016, the 1886 story has been a journey of fusion, mixing heritage with modernity, and minimalism with powerful statements to create streetwear with elegance. While giving their unique touches and reconstruction on every element of creation, they mix it with constant research of new fabrics, designs and textiles.

Their pared-back, understated design ethos has not gone unnoticed and in four short years, 1886 has evolved from emerging label to a brand with international collaborations and stores worldwide. 1886 went international this year, collaborating with French brand Les (Art)ists. Based in Paris, Les (Art)ists started life making football jerseys for an imaginary team where the players are their favorite artists from fashion and music.

Like all the best streetwear collabs (and Lord knows there have been a lot this year) 1886 x Les (Art)ists is a meeting of minds that highlights the best of what both brands do.

Their new collection, dubbed ’23.5° is inspired by ancient Greek mythology. A giant planet, Theia, collided with Earth, tilting its axis by 23.5°. Debris from the collision supposedly formed the Moon, which in turn created the Earth’s seasons. 1886 say this collision, this elemental change, inspired them to create a collection that would change their take on fashion for 2021, from great choices of colors and fabrics to edgy graphics.