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Brigade, a retailer specializing in independent clothing labels, recently opened its first Columbus location in the Short North.
In addition to menswear and womenswear, the 1,700-square-foot store at 607 N. High St. carries accessories, like hats, scarves and bags, and shoes for both sexes.
“We try to focus on designers who are not in the mainstream, who believe in quality over quantity, and who actually create their own pieces artistically and don’t just knock them off,” says Brian O’Neill, the store’s founder and owner.
At any given time, Brigade offers merchandise by 20 to 30 designers, including Fillipa K, Nom De Guerre, Shipley & Halmos, Alexander Wang, and Wrath Arcane− its in-house label. (Brigade doesn’t currently stock any local indie designers, but O’Neill says the store is always open to new partnerships.)
Co-owned by O’Neill and Sean Bilovecky, the Wrath Arcane line consists of T-shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, coats, belts, suspenders, and the odd pair of shoes.
O’Neill says the laidback Midwestern aesthetic –”the opposite of trendy fashion”− serves as inspiration for the line, which is designed by Bilovecky and Dana Hardy in Cleveland and manufactured in a military factory in Chicago, as well as a knit-and-denim factory in San Francisco.
To date, Wrath Arcane does not offer womenswear, but there are plans to add blouses, sweaters, dresses, and leggings to the line this year.
On the whole, Brigade’s clothing is “sophisticated and understated, with a utilitarian feel,” O’Neill says.
One look around the store and it’s easy to see what he means. The denim (by Diesel, J. Lindeberg, and Rag & Bone, among others) features very little embellishment, and lean silhouettes and neutrals −plus the occasional red plaid− abound. Hoods, exposed pockets, and zippered compartments keep the merchandise from looking precious.
Prices range from $60 for a pair of Cheap Monday jeans to $1,195 for a Nice Collective leather coat.
Men’s pants are available in sizes 28-38; shirts sizes range from small to 2X; shoes are available in sizes 8-12.
Women’s pants are available in sizes 25-31; shirt sizes range from extra small to large; dresses are available in sizes 0-10; shoes are available in sizes 5-10.
O’Neill opened the first Brigade store in 2004 in Cleveland’s Warehouse District; the store has since relocated to 1785 Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Heights. (The Columbus store opened on Nov. 25.)
“Columbus is a good extension of our Cleveland market,” O’Neill says, adding that the city has great restaurants, an excellent art scene, lots of young professionals, and very fashionable residents.
Brigade’s hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon- 6 p.m. Sunday
To shop Brigade’s online store, visit www.ClothingBrigade.com.
Really nice, fashionable staff and owners along with a beautifully well done space. Definitely worth a few visits.
Cheap Monday jeans are probably best not worn in a typical small town. The fact that they sell jeans under $100 makes them a welcome addition to the SN. (typo in the title, FYI)
“The fact that they sell jeans under $100 makes them a welcome addition to the SN”? I’m not sure I understand this comment, and pardon me if I’m taking it the wrong way, but are you suggesting that all Short North shoppers are not only unwilling to spend more than $100 on a pair of jeans but are actively unwelcoming to any business that doesn’t cater to their own tastes? If so, that seems a bit uncharitable, and it doesn’t correspond with my experience. I’m quite happy to see them here — speaking only for myself.
This place ROCKS
Welcome to the neighborhood!
May I suggest a less-artful approach to photography for future product additions? It’s hella hard to get an idea of what a pair of jeans looks like when presented in shadows against a dark wood background.
Anyone know if the site’s stocklist mirrors the brick & mortar inventory? Looks like lots of stuff is sold out online, so I wouldn’t want to get my hopes up for a store visit.
Just saying it’s nice that there are some more affordable options is all.
one suggestion – the store needs some outdoor signage. the front is set back into the Yukon and it makes it hard to notice it is even there (i’m thinking back to that thread where a woman from Dublin mentioned driving straight through the Short North because everything looked dark and closed).
SO glad to see a fresh [UBER cool] retailer in the SN! (AND they burn Paul Robinett candles in their store, so you KNOW they have impeccable taste!). Good luck Brigade!
Its been on my “visit” list for the past couple weeks, finally committing to go this week! Love supporting my local businesses. Have heard wonderful things already and am anxious to get down there to check it out! Will report out soon! :-)
Just went in here the other day and guy who helped me was so friendly! It would be nice if it could have been a little bigger because they do have some good stuff. The only downfall of this place is that everything in there is so dark. I didn’t see 1 piece of colorful clothing in there, Maybe that’s the vibe they were going for…it’s just something that i noticed. The sales guy who helped me was very friendly but not pushy! i wish them the best of luck! i think that columbus is starting to get some really cool stores. they chose a perfect location being in the short north. they fit in well with all of the other independent businesses.