The Ice Jacket

As indulgencies go, buying a winter coat is one freighted with responsibility. Fashion wise, this will probably be your biggest investment of the year, and one you can’t afford to get wrong. Considering the amount of time you and your winter coat will be spending together along with the image of you that your outer garment projects to others, it’s no wonder the purchase of such an item is often seen as an art form.

I personally feel though that this match should be approached instead with scientific empiricism, as you look to combine style, practicality and a unique twist to show the world a glimpse of your personality though they grey days of winter. Who better to look to for all this than the Italian techno-brand Stone Island….?

Known for their technical implementation and innovative use of functional fabrics developed since the labels launch in the late 1970’s Massimo Osti’s brand (now headed by husband and wife team Carlo and Sabina Rivetti) have again this season gone further than any other label to produce the ultimate winter jacket.

Following the labels strong suit of superbly constructed pieces Stone Island have released a modern interpretation of this 1989 Ice Jacket incorporating their coveted production methods yet remaining loyal to their clienteles terrace style status. The highlight of this heavily padded jacket is the rigid cotton moleskin which is treated to thermo-sensitive chameleon-like liquid crystals which enable a colour change in the material as the wintry air chills.

As the temperature drops from 15°c - 10°c the fabric passes through intermediate prismatic effects taking the jacket from its initial colour of electric blue, pistachio or grey to a deeper, darker more vintage colour-way of navy, olive green or black before restoring itself to its original colour as warmer conditions are restored.

The goose down jacket has a heavy duty zip front, fixed peak hood with toggle adjusters at the next for extra weather protection and reflective stripping on the cuffs and hem for high visibility. Adorning the upper left sleeve of the jacket is the prestigious black and white Stone Island badge created in recent years to emphasise the more technical pieces of each collection.

In addition to all this, the Ice Jacket is also a wonder on the inside too, coming with a detachable goose down quilted lining, with its own zip and hood to provide additional warmth. Remaining faithful to their multi-purpose roots, Stone Island have created this unique lining so it too can be worn as a coat in its own right.

Limited in numbers the Ice Jacket comes on its own heavy duty hanger in a specially created box and is sold exclusively at Stone Island stockists.

This is the winter coat, an iconic piece when it comes to fashion, collectable, wearable, beautiful, everything you could desire. If you are going to own one piece of Stone Island then this is the item to own.

Words: Sanyika Odieté