The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

Cristina Lloyd explores Saudi Arabian streetwear brand 1886’s ancient Greek mythology-inspired SS21 23.5 Degrees collection. bitefashion I n 1886, a few significant events took place, including Co- ca-Cola invented by American pharmacist Dr John Pem- berton. A massive hurricane demolished the town of Indi- anola, Texas; Spain abolished slavery in Cuba; and US President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the New York Harbour. Addis Ababa was discovered in the Ethiopian Empire, and multinational brand Johnson & Johnson started manufacturing healthcare products in New Jersey, United States. In the case of Riyadh-based fashion house 1886, in the capi- tal of Saudi Arabia, their story started 130 years later in 2016 as a fashion line that integrates heritage with modernity. The streetwear brand describes themselves as ‘minimalism with an edge and streetwear with elegance’. They go on to say, “While giving our unique touches and reconstruction on every element of creation, [we mix] it with constant research of new fabrics, designs and textile.” Since its inception, 1886 has evolved from an emerging la- bel into a brand with international collaborations and stores worldwide. One of their partnerships was with French brand Les (Art)ists based in Paris, which started life making football jersey for an imaginary team where players are their favour- ite artists from fashion and music. “Like all the best streetwear collaborations, 1886 x Les (Art)ists is a meeting of minds that highlights the best of what both brands do.” The apparels from this partnership rendered the Les (Art)ists x Aitch x 1886 Black 18 and 86 regular fit hoodies for men and women with long sleeves, rib knit on the cuffs and hem. The collaborative name graphic is printed on the front, with Social Society 18 or 86 written on the back and the 1886 logo tag on the hood, and a button. Similar details are on the Les (Art)ists x Aitch x 1886 White 18 and 86 t-shirts with short sleeves, crew neck collar and the 1886 tag on the back. 1886 continues their unisex concept with the Super Chick