Lab

Stone Island was created in 1982 in Ravarino, a small town in the Modena province of Northern Italy, where the brand has conducted its ongoing exploration into the transformation and ennobling of fibres and fabrics, and the unique ability to intervene on the finished garment. These experiments have led to the discovery of materials and production techniques never previously used by the clothing industry, including the development of more than 60,000 different dye recipes.

Authenticity is an intangible value that has to be earned with something tangible. In the case of Stone Island it’s the product that is the result of the relentless spirit of experimentation and development. It’s what gives the brand its unmistakable DNA, and what has kept it at the forefront of clothing design for over four decades. All of these experiments occur in Stone Island’s design facilities in Ravarino, Italy. Internally they are known as “The Lab”, hinting that Stone Island’s design practice has more in common with science rather than fashion. 

Stone Island develops its own fabrics in The Lab, some of which, such as Nylon Metal and Tank Shield, have become the brand’s staples. Stone Island refers to these developments as “fabric research”. Often the fabric dictates the rest of the design process. There is no material that’s not worth exploring; that’s how you get jackets made from 100% stainless steel film that is normally used for lining airplane cockpits.

Stone Island conducts rigorous quality checks throughout the manufacturing process, starting with the CQT department (Controllo Qualità Tessuti or Raw Material Quality Control), which is responsible for the development and quality control of textiles from inception to bulk production of the finished pieces. CQT is also where fabric shrinkages are calculated so the pattern-making department can allow for correct proportions after high-temperature garment dyeing.

The “Trouble-Shooting Lab” is the nickname for the company’s physical and mechanical laboratory that analyses, controls, and monitors aspects related to the quality and performance of materials in combination with dyes and other treatments such as reaction to light, sweat, rubbing, tearing, and washing and with garment construction techniques.