Stone Island
Moncler Group · Italy
Stone Island is an Italian menswear brand founded in 1982 by Massimo Osti and known for research into fabrics, dyes and finishes. Owned by Moncler Group since 2021, it is recognisable by the compass badge worn on the left sleeve of its garments.
| Founded | 1982, Ravarino |
|---|---|
| Founder | Massimo Osti |
| Owner | Moncler Group (since March 2021) |
| Headquarters | Ravarino, Italy |
| Directly operated stores | Around 90 |
| Segment | Premium menswear |
| Website | stoneisland.com |
What is Stone Island?
Stone Island is a menswear brand headquartered in Ravarino, Emilia-Romagna, where product development is managed in house. It produces outerwear, knitwear, sweatshirts and accessories and describes its approach as a combination of research, or LAB, and community, or LIFE. It is one of two brands in Moncler Group.
History
Designer Massimo Osti created Stone Island in 1982 with a first collection inspired by military uniforms and made from Tela Stella, a stone-washed, two-tone fabric derived from truck tarpaulins. GFT took control in the 1980s and in 1993 sold the brand to Carlo Rivetti, who led it for almost three decades. Temasek bought a 30 per cent stake in 2017. Moncler announced the acquisition of Stone Island for €1.15 billion in December 2020 and completed it in March 2021, with the Rivetti family reinvesting in Moncler's controlling holding.
Products and positioning
The brand is defined by experimentation with fibres, fabrics and dyeing. According to Moncler Group, its dye research has produced more than 60,000 recipes, and fabrics such as rubber-coated nylon, thermosensitive materials and reflective fabric have marked its history. Fabrics come from Italian and Asian suppliers, particularly in Japan and Korea.
- Technical outerwear
- Garment-dyed knitwear and sweatshirts
- Compass badge on the left sleeve
- Collaborations with Supreme, Nike, New Balance and Dior
Business model and distribution
Stone Island sells through wholesale partners, including department stores, multi-brand boutiques and online retailers, and through around 90 directly operated stores and its own website. In 2024 wholesale accounted for 48 per cent of revenue and direct channels for 52 per cent, and the brand has been bringing distribution in house in markets such as Korea, Japan, the UK and China.
Why it matters
Stone Island shows how technical research and a strong subculture following can support a premium price point. Its integration into Moncler Group is an example of a luxury group adding a menswear brand with its own identity and a balanced mix of wholesale and direct retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Stone Island?
Stone Island has been owned by Moncler Group since March 2021, after a deal valued at €1.15 billion. Its previous owner Carlo Rivetti had led the brand since 1993.
Is Stone Island a luxury brand?
Stone Island sits at the premium end of menswear and belongs to the luxury group Moncler. It is known for technical fabrics and garment dyeing rather than traditional luxury tailoring.
