STONE ISLAND” presents a new collection from “Prototype Research. The collection, shown at a presentation during Milan Fashion Week, features reversible hooded cardigans in a total of 100 colors, one per color. The collection is available in a total of 100 colors, ranging from bright colors to subdued tones, and each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.
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Applying advanced technology for the outdoors to knitwearReversible knitwear in 100 colors with laminated waterproof and breathable properties!
Stone Island’s ” Prototype Research” is a limited-quantity collection that has been released on an irregular basis since 2016. The collection consists of items created through research and experimentation, using materials and processing techniques that have yet to be industrialized.
The “Prototype Research_Series 09” collection is the first in the series to feature knitwear, and includes a cotton-chenille hooded cardigan. The reversible design reflects the three-dimensional knit look of the chenille yarn material on one side. The other side is laminated with HDry® membrane, a waterproof and breathable membrane developed primarily for mountaineering shoes and outdoor gloves. The knit side has a kangaroo pocket and the laminated side has a zip pocket.
The most important features of this work are The most distinctive feature of this work is the use of an innovative technology called “Airblow Lamination Knit,” in which the “HDry® membrane” is directly thermo-compressed onto the knit. The 3D process using this cutting-edge lamination technology is an unprecedented attempt to apply it to garments. Building on the brand’s tradition of redefining knitwear as outerwear, the new line expands the possibilities of garment.
Stone Island has also released a video summarizing the production process of this collection. In PROCESS_03, where the lamination is applied, a hooded cardigan is attached to an inflatable mannequin with an HDry® membrane inside. Hot air is then blown into the mannequin, and the air pressure is used to fully adhere the membrane to the mannequin. The slight irregularities in the surface created in this process make each item stand out for its individuality and uniqueness. The ultra-thin membrane structure allows the structure, color, and texture of the knit to all be clearly visible, while retaining the three-dimensional look unique to chenille yarn.
In PROCESS_04, the zipper opening is cut by hand, one by one, after membrane processing. This embodies the brand’s philosophy of combining industrial technology and craftsmanship.
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Prototype Research_Series 09 presented in MilanAn installation of the process by which this collection of knitwear was created
During Milan Fashion Week, Stone Island presented the ” Prototype Research_Series 09″ installation at its Milan showroom. The installation allowed visitors to experience the process of creating a prototype by dismantling and reconstructing the structure of a circular knitting machine. The industrial parts, detached from their original function, were arranged to function as a metaphor for the relationship between form and function. Unraveled threads cross over the circular base and are led to the device. This symbolizes the beginning of a process that will eventually evolve into an experimental and complex product, while evoking the essence of knit materials. The expanding object placed under the knit exhibit is a visualization of the 3D process of this collection’s lamination technology. Through this process, the knits emerge from the device with a highly experimental appearance and are displayed as three concentric circles by color. In addition, an audio installation was added to complement the visual experience, creating a more immersive spatial experience from both visual and aural perspectives.
