Italian luxury brand Stone Island will host an archival exhibition at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in downtown Montreal from October 17 to 27, 2024, celebrating four decades of fabric innovation. The exhibit, titled “Material Research ‘984 – ‘024,” will feature iconic pieces from the brand’s past alongside current designs, illustrating its ongoing commitment to cutting-edge material research.
A Collaboration with Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, the 250,000 square foot luxury retail destination in downtown Montreal, will be the exclusive host for Stone Island’s exhibit. Located in the recently renovated Tudor Hall event space, the exhibition will highlight five archival pieces dating back to 1984, paired with five new pieces from Stone Island’s Fall 2024 collection. The curation will emphasize how the brand’s heritage influences its modern designs.
Among the materials to be displayed are Stone Island’s renowned metallic, thermo-sensitive “ice” fabrics, and highly reflective textiles. Carolyn Wright, Senior Vice President of Product at Holt Renfrew, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting that Stone Island has been a part of Holt Renfrew’s offerings for nearly a decade. The exhibition marks a special moment in their partnership, inviting visitors to engage with Stone Island’s technological and design achievements.
Additionally, the exhibit will feature a pop-up record shop curated by La Rama Records. This interactive element, along with DJ performances on select nights, will enhance the cultural aspect of the event, blending music and fashion into a unique visitor experience.
Stone Island’s Standalone Store in Toronto
Beyond its relationship with Holt Renfrew, Stone Island expanded its footprint in Canada by opening its first standalone flagship store on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto in 2019. This location offers a comprehensive Stone Island experience that includes a focus on exclusive collections and limited-edition pieces.
The Yorkville flagship showcases the full range of Stone Island products, including outerwear featuring the brand’s iconic compass patch and innovative fabric treatments. The opening of this store marked a significant milestone in Stone Island’s North American expansion. The Yorkville location sits among prestigious neighbours that include Brunello Cucinelli and Chanel, as well as a soon-to-close Versace store.
Broader Distribution in Canada
Stone Island’s products are available in Canada through a network of upscale retailers, including SSENSE, TNT, and CNTRBND. Holt Renfrew has also been a key partner, with successful pop-up shop-in-shops over the years. Stone Island’s popularity in Canada has grown due to its appeal to fashion-forward consumers who appreciate the brand’s unique combination of functionality and luxury.
Background and History: Stone Island
Stone Island was founded in 1982 by Italian designer Massimo Osti in Ravarino, Italy. Initially launched as a subsidiary of Osti’s main brand, C.P. Company, Stone Island quickly set itself apart due to its experimental approach to fabrics and garment technology. The brand’s foundation was based on rigorous material research, with its first collection featuring the now-iconic Tela Stella fabric, a durable material initially developed for military tarpaulins. This early focus on functionality, combined with Osti’s innovative use of dyeing and treatment techniques, laid the groundwork for Stone Island’s success.
One of the brand’s most significant early innovations was the Ice Jacket, developed in the 1980s, which changed color in response to temperature variations. This forward-thinking approach to garment technology was emblematic of Osti’s design philosophy, which favored function over form. Stone Island’s logo, a compass, reflects Osti’s nautical inspiration, a nod to his fascination with the sea and boats, as well as the brand’s core ethos of technical precision and exploration.
Following Osti’s departure in the early 1990s, Carlo Rivetti took control of the company, continuing its legacy of innovation while pushing the brand into new markets, including North America. Under Rivetti’s leadership, Stone Island expanded globally, becoming a favourite among subcultures like British football “casuals” and, more recently, a mainstream luxury brand, thanks in part to collaborations with high-profile partners like Supreme and Nike.
