THE JOURNAL
Few brands have the same enduring cultural relevance as Stone Island. Whether you were a regular at the Haçienda or Boardwalk during the legendary 1980s Madchester club scene, a football fanatic, or are just on social media (you can’t miss Drake and Mr Travis Scott’s streetwear shots even if you wanted to), chances are you’re familiar with the brand and the famous compass emblem that adorns the sleeves of its laid-back, streetwear-meets-luxury garments.
But the spirit of the Italian label, established by textile specialist Mr Massimo Osti back in 1982, goes far beyond terrace culture, contemporary streetwear and the Milanese Paninari and Cool Britannia tribes that made it cool. Functional details, pioneering textile research and innovative dye experimentation have been the driving force of its designs throughout the years and the SS22 collection – which has just landed on MR PORTER and includes its sought-after, navy-inspired Marina capsule – is no exception. Here are five picks that went straight on our Wish List.
01.
The lightweight jacket
This Stone Island jacket is the kind of staple we’ll have on heavy rotation this spring. Not only is it a great example of the brand’s pioneering textile research and development, it’s also an ideal layering piece for the in-between seasons. It’s made from cotton that’s brushed to enhance its lightweight handle and detailed with the label’s detachable compass patch, which you can take off if you prefer a more streamlined look.
02.
The printed sweatshirt
Part of the newly released Marina collection, a line-up of functional pieces designed using high-performance fabrics and navy-inspired details, this sweatshirt is printed with the brand’s hand-painted Reef camouflage. It wouldn’t look out of place on a tropical holiday.
03.
The classic sweats
Cargo sweatpants are some of the most in-demand styles from Stone Island, counting rappers such as Dave and Drake among its stylish fans. This pair is dyed a versatile slate-grey shade that’ll work well with pretty much every hoodie and sweatshirt in your rotation.
04.
The practical bag
If you have a festival or a camping holiday on the cards, this pouch is for you – it’s ideal for keeping all your essentials close to hand. The sturdy nylon-twill material is engineered to resist wear and tear while the shoulder and waist straps give you the flexibility to carry it two ways.
05.
The tonal cap
Fact: you can never have too many caps. Stone Island’s version is a great way to pledge your allegiance to the cult streetwear brand without having to go bold with the logos – its marine-inspired compass insignia is subtly rendered in tonal navy threads.