18 East Unveils Nostalgic Summer Outdoor Capsule With “Camp Store” Zine

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Summary

  • Inspired by founder Kenny Ciongoli’s childhood memories at Camp Billings, 18 East has released its annual “Summer Outdoor Capsule,” a collection of cross-season staples with nostalgic details like hand-stitching, washed fleeces, and a vintage color palette.
  • The collection features pieces like a check shirt with hand-stitched embroidery, a sherpa full-zip, and a rugby shirt with “Camp Billings” graphics, while a special zine was also created to further detail the release.

This summer, 18 East has unveiled its yearly collection of outdoor apparel, fondly reminiscent of summer camp, dubbed as the Summer Outdoor Capsule. The collection features carefully designed items that are versatile for both outdoor use and as essential wardrobe pieces across seasons. In a deeply personal partnership with Camp Billings in Vermont, 18 East’s founder, Kenny Ciongoli, was inspired by his cherished childhood memories at the campsite for their joint project titled “Take Me Home”.

Year after year, as Eighteen East’s design schedule transitions towards our summer outdoor collection, my thoughts instinctively drift towards the tranquil shores of Lake Fairlee, nestled along the eastern boundary of Vermont. You see, for nine summers unforgettable, I was a part of that magical place – first as a camper and then as a counselor at an extraordinary sleepaway camp known as Camp Billings.

Highlighting elements such as stitching reminiscent of sashiko, worn-out fleece materials, vintage graphics, and a palette of old-fashioned hues, this collection exudes a strong sense of nostalgia. Among the standouts are a brown checkered shirt adorned with handcrafted embroidery and the RC2 Fullzip, crafted from high-pile sherpa and contrasting retro nylon.

In their remarks, Ciongoki stated, “Camp Billings offered me my initial experience of autonomy, a secure, encouraging setting for personal growth, and the chance to venture out and develop a deep affection for nature’s wonders.” This significant role of the camp is underscored in the collection. Additionally, during summer scenes, a Camp Billings logo, styled as bubble letters, is employed on a green Rugby shirt and vibrant swim trunks made from nylon. Similar designs are also used on accessories like an outdoor backpack, traditional hats, and other items, such as iron-on patches and decals that mimic Lake Fairlee/Billings insignias.

18 East magazine dedicated a unique publication to honor Camp Billings, focusing mainly on shared camp experiences and in-depth narratives about significant artifacts. This special edition features photography by Vinny Picone and writing by Kenny Ciongoli.

You can find both the 18 East Summer Outdoor Collection catalog and the Camp Store magazine at our official 18 East online store as well as in our brick-and-mortar locations.

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2025-08-06 22:56