Introducing the fascination and models of STONE ISLAND, a stunning functional beauty.

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Introducing the fascination and models of STONE ISLAND, a stunning functional beauty.

Stone Island (STONE ISLAND) is a brand that has fans all over the world with a collection centered on sportswear that combines function and design. Items made with material selection and manufacturing methods that are distinct from those of other manufacturers can exhibit one-of-a-kind individuality. This time, we focus on ” Stone Island ” and introduce its charm and items!

What is Stone Island?

Stone Island is a casual fashion brand representing Italy. In 1989, the brand developed the “Ice Jacket,” which changes color depending on the temperature, and this garnered worldwide attention. The company has always advocated new styles by actively using non-standard materials such as stainless steel and bronze. The company specializes in ” garment dyeing ” in which dyeing is done after sewing. The quality of their down jackets and MA-1s is outstanding.

History of Stone Island

Debuted with the use of out-of-the-box materials.

Stone Island’s origins date back to 1982. In the mid-1970s, the Italian military opened a vintage market where many military uniforms were sold. Massimo Osti, a graphic designer from Bologna, quickly realized the functionality of military wear and its potential to be promoted to the public. He catalogued military wear by thoroughly researching details such as shapes, pockets, clasps, and decorations, as well as used surfaces, exquisite faded colors, and historical flavors. Furthermore, Massimo Osti’s research extended to materials and weaving, and he completed his original military wear using coloring and processing techniques. The turning point for the brand came one day with the arrival of a single material. The material was a waterproof fabric used for truck sails, red on one side and blue on the other. It was too heavy and thick to be used for clothing, but after a long period of stonewashing, the fabric was successfully transformed into a softer texture.

The unique process of stonewashing the fabric for trucks was then used to create seven jackets. This innovative collection was named “Stone Island”. The name “Stone Island” was chosen because of the manufacturing process that no other fashion brand had tried, and the nostalgic atmosphere it gave off, as if it had been corroded by the sea over a long period of time. In addition, a badge that would later become a symbol of the brand was attached to the chest of the jacket. Inspired by military decorations, the badge depicted a star-like compass that expressed the brand’s love of the sea and its aspiration to “go straight into perpetual research. Thus was formed the framework of Stone Island, a pioneer brand of military wear.

Joining the ranks of leading brands with innovative products such as ” Ice Jacket.”

In 1983, the year after its founding, Massimo Osti decided to merge with ” GFT Group, ” a major textile manufacturer based in Turin, in order to concentrate on his creative work. The brand gained a huge backbone and developed a full collection of not only jackets but also shirts, trousers, and T-shirts. Research into fabrics, treatments, and coatings was also actively pursued: in 1985, the brand introduced “Raso Gommato,” a military fabric cotton satin with a polyurethane coating on the front and back, followed the next year by “Alu C,” a cotton satin with a silver coating. Alu C” was introduced. The use of innovative materials made the Stone Island name widely known. In Italy, the brand became extremely popular among young people as clothing that allowed them to express their individuality to the fullest. With the support of the GFT Group, the brand also expands overseas.

The “Ice Jacket,” developed in 1989, is an item that has helped Stone Island become known around the world, changing its color from yellow to dark green, white to light blue, pink to gray, and so on, depending on the temperature. The jacket changes its color depending on the temperature, such as yellow to dark green, white to light blue, and pink to gray. It was a new concept that had never been seen in clothing before, and it became a hit that surprised people and represented Stone Island’s success at the time.

The ” Reflective Jacket ” released in 1991 was made of a special fabric made in Japan. It was coated with a high-density coating of microscopic glass particles to create a reflective effect, which was a novel device that reflected even the slightest light source. The metallic white, red, green, yellow, and blue Reflective Jacket was a distinctive symbol of its time.

“Timely Design” Leads to Success at Stone Island

In 1993, the company became completely independent from the GFT Group. The company name was changed to ” SPORTSWEAR COMPANY SpA ” and the Stone Island collection was developed. In 1996, Massimo Osti, who had been in charge of the brand’s design since its establishment, established his own production company and left Stone Island. His successor, Italian designer ” Paul Harvey “, had majored in textiles at St. Martins. He started to improve the materials and introduced “Silver Jacket” and “Bronze Jacket” in 1999. The Silver Jacket is also on display in the huge lobby of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, which has been renovated to celebrate its re-opening.

In 1999, he introduced ” Silver Spray “, which uses a material developed to protect the shields of airplanes. In 2002, at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, he exhibited “Light Jacket” made of 0.1mm optical fiber, a glass fiber for optical communication cables. Paul Harvey designed 24 collections before retiring from the brand in 2008, including the “Ultra-light down jacket,” a thin, lightweight matte nylon fabric that weighs only 30 grams per square meter and is filled with down. After Paul’s departure, Stone Island did not dare to look for a successor, concluding that “the era of one person at the helm had come to an end. He decided that in order to be modern, the company needed to be multicultural, and he set up a design team composed of people with all kinds of sensibilities. Carlo Rivetti, the company’s president, personally directs the team and assigns the most suitable designer to each theme. The company’s innovative and challenging stance has been maintained since its inception, and the collections continue to fascinate people with their appeal.

Stone Island Design and Functionality

Since its establishment, Stone Island has developed a number of items inspired by the sharp designs of activewear. Their pursuit of functionality, creativity, and design is expressed in their current collection. The latest reflective jacket is created from an innovative material based on nylon terra.

The coloring method called “garment dyeing” is synonymous with Stone Island. Also known as “product dyeing” or “post-dyeing,” this method differs from the general procedure in that the color is dyed last, after sewing and other processes have been completed and the product is finished. This allows everything from the fabric to the seams to be dyed with the same dyestuff, which gives it a unique texture. The garment-dyeing technique is especially noticeable in details such as the reflective jacket, which mixes mussola gommata (rubberized muslin) and fabric.

Down jackets are another popular Stone Island item. In addition to being lightweight and comfortable to wear, the garment dyeing process gives it a uniform and beautiful texture. In addition, by adding a special substance to the dyeing process that causes a water-repellent effect, the down jackets are waterproof, which sets them apart from ordinary down jackets.

What is Stone Island’s other line, “Shadow Project?”

Stone Island Shadow Project” offers a different atmosphere from the main line. It was started in 2008 by owner and creative director Carlo Rivetti with the cooperation of Michaela Sachenbacher and Errolson Hugh’s design team ACRONYM.

The brand is based on Stone Island’s historical archives and know-how cultivated through research and development to date, and combines ACRONYM’s strong technical capabilities and performance. As the name “SHADOW” suggests, the lineup stands out for its urban design that complements the main line. While utilizing the original merits of the sporty concept and high-tech materials, the minimalistic details and deep coloring advocate an “adult casual” look.

Introducing Stone Island’s models

Although there are fabrics that can be considered standard in the Stone Island collection, there are no models that can be called standard, as the product has under gone minor specification changes. In addition, some models have rich color variations, so you will be able to find a design that you like.

STONE ISLAND Field Coat

This field coat uses “water-repellent Supima cotton,” which achieves high water repellency by densely weaving cotton yarns that are thin, firm, and uniform. The gun flap detail used in trench coats has a hidden pocket on the back in a zip style for improved practicality. The front zipper has a reverse-opening double-zipper design, with a winged tailoring for windproofing. The simple design of this gem is a product that shows the unique design of Stone Island. Other outerwear also features various innovations.

For details and purchase, click here.

STONE ISLAND Light Blouson

This light blouson is produced using cotton parachute fabric. The smooth comfort of cotton and the dyeing process, Stone Island’s specialty, fit together exquisitely to create a cozy atmosphere. While following the boxy silhouette characteristic of military wear, a slightly tighter fit creates a crisp silhouette. The hood can be removed to create a shirt collar, or attached as a flap guard. 3 colors available.

For details and purchase, click here.

STONE ISLAND Long Sleeve T-shirt

This long sleeve T-shirt is extremely simple and tailored. The fabric has a moderate volume, making it suitable for three seasons: spring, fall, and winter. The garment dye process, Stone Island’s signature, is used to create a simple design with a strong sense of the brand’s worldview. A patch patch inspired by military decorations is set on the left sleeve. It is available in two colors.

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STONE ISLAND Shorts

Shorts with a sporty feel to match the active summer season. While the base is made of sweatshirt material, the sides are made of rubber fabric and the crotch part is made of satin woven fabric for improved durability. Each material has a different look and feel, but the dark colors give them a chic look. The zippered front pockets and cargo pockets are also very practical.

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STONE ISLAND Easy Pants

Garment-dyed easy pants made of cotton parachute cloth. The 100% cotton parachute cloth is comfortable against the skin and windproof. Striped print at the bottom hem and elastic banding for a sporty look. 2 colors available.

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STONE ISLAND SHADOW Cotton Sweater

As the name “SHADOW” suggests, this sweater has a minimalist design that accentuates the main line, and is a high-quality high-gauge knit made of a high-twisted yarn called cotton crepe. Strong twisting at the yarn stage produces a taut knit finish that is difficult to fluff. The smooth texture makes it wearable even during the sweaty season. The underarms have a mesh knitted fabric, a detail that gives this item a unique Stone Island design. The cuffs and hem have a straight, cut-and-sewn finish for a more casual look.

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