About Stone Island

Stone Island, founded in 1982 by Italian designer Massimo Osti, is a brand renowned for its innovation in fabric technology and its distinctive utilitarian aesthetic. Originally starting as a branch of Osti's main label, C.P. Company, Stone Island was born from an experimental process involving military-inspired fabrics. The brand’s first material, a heavily stone-washed, thick tarpaulin fabric called Tela Stella, was initially intended for a collection of military outerwear. This process gave the fabric a weathered, rugged look, which became a hallmark of Stone Island’s approach to garment design—fusing technical innovation with bold, industrial aesthetics.

Stone Island’s iconic compass patch, symbolizing a love for the sea and a sense of exploration, became one of the brand’s most recognizable features, always worn on the left arm of the garments. From the beginning, the brand pushed boundaries in the field of fabric treatment, experimenting with dyeing techniques, coating, and weaving processes. Osti’s philosophy was to treat garments like technical equipment, focusing not just on style but on functionality, durability, and weather resistance.

In the late 1980s, Carlo Rivetti took over Stone Island, further developing its reputation for research and technological innovation. The brand continued to pioneer groundbreaking techniques such as garment dyeing, where the finished garment is dyed rather than the fabric, giving each piece a unique, weathered appearance. Stone Island also became known for its use of innovative fabrics like reflective and heat-sensitive materials, nylon monofilament, and Kevlar blends, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of its designs.

Stone Island’s utilitarian, experimental designs resonated with subcultures, particularly within European football communities in the 1990s and early 2000s. Football “casuals” adopted the brand for its tough, distinctive look and high-quality construction, cementing Stone Island as an icon of streetwear as much as technical fashion. Over time, this association helped the brand gain a cult following, particularly in the UK.

In the 2010s, Stone Island experienced a major resurgence, with its blend of military-inspired design, technical expertise, and street credibility attracting a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. High-profile collaborations with brands like Nike and Supreme further fueled its popularity, bringing Stone Island’s innovation to a global streetwear audience.

Today, Stone Island is celebrated for its relentless pursuit of fabric innovation and functionality, consistently pushing the limits of what is possible in garment design. It has become a global symbol of cutting-edge fashion that marries form and function, remaining a leader in both high-performance outerwear and contemporary street style.