Stone Island Origins
Where does the Stone Island name come from?
Stone Island's name came from Polish-British writer Joseph Conrad’s novels where the words ‘Stone’ and ‘Island’ appear most frequently. Osti took inspiration from the exploration of the novel's themes of maritime exploration. From this, he decided that he wanted to create a brand that incorporated science and fashion.
Where is Stone Island clothing made?
Founded in Ravarino, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, the label’s headquarters remain in the same location. Managed internally, product development, testing and design is at the Sportswear Company Headquarter in the province of Modena.
Through continuous modernisation of expertise and all-around research, the brand’s development has been carefully managed. With an internal and integrated system, modelling, prototypes and dyeing combine with established external partnerships in both research and execution.
What is the ethos behind Stone Island?
Defined by its unique and distinctive research, the label continues to evolve with the ethos of LAB & LIFE together.
LAB - Self-evaluating and reflecting, the label continues to investigate the transformation and enhancement of fibres and fabrics. With each passing season Stone Island doesn’t stand still and its continued adaptation brings discoveries of new materials and production techniques. Setting Stone Island apart, these techniques and materials are unique, pioneered by SI.
LIFE - The status of those who wear Stone Island. With a strong aesthetic that’s recognisable anywhere, the study of uniforms and work clothes can be seen throughout each collection.
Is there a Stone Island Junior?
Yes, 2005 saw the launch of Stone Island Junior. The miniature version of the label’s functional garments, this offshoot is dedicated to children and teenagers.
How are Stone Island and C.P. Company linked?
Both the brainchild of Massimo Osti, Stone Island was founded to complement C.P Company. Launched as Chester Perry in 1971 in order for Osti to pursue his fascination with the utility inherent to things, such as sportswear, workwear, military and industrial applications.
Changing its name to C.P. Company in 1978, the label quickly became known for its burst of creativity in athleisure, with the iconic goggle jacket created for the Italian Mille Migla off-road race in the 80’s. After twenty years of exhaustive innovation in garment and textile design, Osti left the brand in 1994, leaving behind a legacy as the ‘godfather of urban Italian sportswear’.
Who is the Creative Director of Stone Island?
For 30 years Carlo Rivetti has been the driving force behind Stone Island. Born to a family with deep roots in the clothing sector, he graduated with a degree in Economics before moving into the fashion world.
After meeting Massimo Osti, who gave life to Stone Island, Rivetti owned 50% of the label from 1983 onwards and then the company in its entirety from 1993, purchasing from GFT (Gruppo Finanziario Tessile) whom he had previously worked for.
However, it was alongside designer Paul Harvey, an Englishman who lived in Italy, that helped him launch the second era of the brand. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, Harvey decided the world of fashion was to wait, becoming a truck driver for a short period of time. It was only after marrying an Italian woman that he moved to Italy and started to design clothing. His approach to design was led by functionality; this brought him to reinterpret Stone Island, masterfully bringing the brand into the new century.
Designing 24 collections that consisted of evolution and research, they have forever distinguished Stone Island.
Now under the creative direction of Carlo Rivetti, the label continues to speak to a range of ’80s and ’90s subcultures. With each season, new collections showcase Stone Island's utilitarian-inspired designs and complex dyeing processes.
Stone Island’s Subculture
During the 1980s, the label became influential in youth subculture for "wealthy middle-class teens" in Italy due to its unconventional fabrics and designs. This movement was known as the ‘Paninaro’; this youthful audience would serve as the inspiration for the ‘terrace casuals’ movement during the 1990s. Inspiring British football fans on their European adventures, they took the looks and built their own unique subculture around the brand.
After a 2014 collaboration with the iconic American streetwear giant, Supreme, Stone Island was catapulted into the mainstream, becoming increasingly popular across the pond. With the likes of Travis Scott and Drake donning the garments, the label became more widely seen in popular culture. Along with UK grime becoming widely accepted in the mainstream music scene the brand’s importance was amplified even more.
