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

The Shadow Project

Two separate entities in the form of fashion label Stone Island and independent design agency Acronym joined forces last season to create a unique capsule line under the co-branded label "The Shadow Project".

Founded by legendary Italian designer Massimo Osti in 1981 as an off shoot of the successful CP Company; Stone Island is not your traditional, and certainly not your average fashion house. It has often been said that Massimo Osti is to fashion what The Matrix is to film and this certainly seems to be the case with Stone Island, which even today through its futuristic vision remains loyal in its promise to deliver customers fashion with function.

http://www.stoneisland-corporate.com/media/video/shadow.htm

Known within the clothing industry as the "Laboratory Company" Stone Island has heavily invested in the research and implementation of fabric handling techniques. Design is at the forefront of Stone Island’s collections yet artistic creation is uncompromised. Simple materials don’t exit within the companies realm, instead hybrids are used, born from various laminates, generated through specialised dying, washing and coating processes making Stone Island undisputedly one of the most recognised and respected brands within the fashion industry today.

Fast forward thirteen years to 1994 and the German design agency Acronym was established by university friends Michaela Sachenbacher and Errolson Hugh in Munich. The partnership focused on pushing the boundaries of design whilst maintaining and expressing a unique viewpoint of mixing traditional outerwear fashion with the most technical and futuristic design.

Due to this distinctive outlook Acronym won projects such as the Analog MD Clone Jacket (voted ‘Coolest Invention of 2002’ by Time Magazine) and landed exclusive collaborations with companies such as W.L. Gore and Associates (the inventors of Gore Tex) and in 1997 with Massimo Osti. These assignments allowed Acronym to demonstrate their capabilities in advanced styling and functionality.

So, why then if two autonomous brands are thriving in their individual fields would they choose to undertake such a risky challenge by moulding a co-brand label?

Stone Island and Acronym are firm believers in the idea that should you stop learning then you stop evolving and as both brands are leaders in their specialised areas, they know they must never stop developing their key strengths and are keen to turn any weaknesses into power tools for the future. With this Trojan like work ethic in mind and the fact that, these two companies are made up from a similar DNA, they have worked together to develop their genes and by doing so have created a fresh and intelligent take on form and function through fashion and design.

Following what may appear on the surface at least, a basic formula the "Shadow Project" uses subtle colours and simple silhouettes in its design, yet each piece features intricate detailing. By reversing logical thinking the brand forms its garments from the inside out, ensuring each piece has a function and will work with and complement any other item within the collection. This concept is particularly enticing to the Shadow Project customer, as it means not only are they buying an item for a season but they are making an investment for the future which they can continue to add to as the project evolves regardless of when their original item was produced and/or purchased.

http://www.stoneisland-corporate.com/media/video/shw10new.htm

The "Shadow Project" is about soul and showing the world that beauty is more than skin deep. Therefore the technology begins on the inside and is built up internally rather than via surface design. The collection has been designed to become an extension of its wearer providing a second skin from fabrics that won’t rip or wear but will age with good grace. The project is not seen as a clothing line but as a living and dynamic idea which Stone Island and Acronym will keep building upon. This is a platform for growth and change which will continue to evolve proving that at last the roving divide between style and technology in modern apparel is finally unifying.

Words: Sanyika Odieté