Stone Island Continues to Define its “Next Chapter” with Notable Milestones
In the year since Hypebeast China’s last conversation with Stone Island CEO Robert Triefus, the brand has been making waves with a series of exciting developments. From the Selected Works 982-‘024 exhibition in Los Angeles to collaborations with Dior and an interactive exhibition at Milan Design Week, Stone Island has been pushing boundaries and strengthening its community engagement.
Under Triefus’ leadership, the brand has embraced the “LAB & LIFE” philosophy, focusing on product research and development, community engagement, and storytelling. In a follow-up interview with Hypebeast, Triefus reflects on his personal connection to the brand and how these initiatives have shaped its evolution.
A Year of Evolution for Stone Island
It has been a year since our last meeting in Beijing, how has it been going?
“It has been a very exciting year, that’s for sure. When we last spoke, I shared our plans for the next chapter of Stone Island, a brand with a rich legacy of over 40 years. And now, we have seen a beautiful evolution of the brand’s DNA, staying true to our “LAB and LIFE” ethos. It has been incredibly satisfying to see the collection continue to push boundaries in terms of innovation and material research, while also incorporating our community into the storytelling process. In other words, we have been able to showcase our obsession with product design and our community from multiple perspectives.”
Highlights and Exciting Moments
What has been the most exciting moment for you in the past year?
“There have been many exciting moments, which is what makes Stone Island so special. But for me, the highlights are always when we bring our community together. In February, we had the opportunity to celebrate our historical archive in Los Angeles during the Frieze art fair. It was the first time we brought the archive to the U.S. and the response from the community was incredible. Through the Selected Works ‘982-’024 exhibition, we were able to showcase our legacy of materials research and innovation, while also celebrating the subcultures that make our community so vibrant.”
Stone Island Storia: Updated
The new book, Stone Island Storia: Updated, revisits the brand’s design archives spanning decades. Which recent season’s product line has stood out to you the most?
“It’s difficult to choose just one season, as each one has its own unique story and significance. But I would say that our most recent collection, which includes the reprinted book and the documentary Infinite Colours, has been particularly special. It showcases our commitment to innovation and storytelling, and how we continue to push boundaries and evolve as a brand.”
With Stone Island’s “next chapter” well underway, it’s clear that the brand is not slowing down anytime soon. From exciting collaborations to community engagement and a focus on innovation, Stone Island is setting the bar high for the future of fashion. 1 of 3Stone Island 2 of 3Stone Island 3 of 3Stone Island
