The gentleman who set this all up is none other than the iconic Tony Rivers, a serial collector, enthusiast, and somewhat of a historian for casual brands. The foundation of the collector’s passion for vintage fashion is well documented in Tony’s influential book, “Magnetic Stone Island”. This seminal work explores Massimo Osti Brands such as Company, Stone Island, Boneville, and Left Hand, it’s innovative designs and historical milestones, particularly during the early 90s within the UK clothing scene, shaping how collectors and enthusiasts appreciate the brand which still resonates until today. Tony’s meticulous documentation of Stone Island’s evolution has inspired countless individuals, including the collector featured in this interview.
As Tony met and walked Hoxton from Cardiff Station, he began the conversation by highlighting Cardiff’s rich fashion heritage, particularly through Morgans Arcade. Established in 1890, Morgans Arcade has long been a cornerstone of Cardiff’s fashion scene. Its evolution from a historic building into a vibrant retail space reflects the city’s enduring style and influence. Morgans Arcade’s legacy underscores Cardiff’s role in shaping fashion over the decades and fittingly serves as the home for this iconic interview, Unit 17.
Unit 17, an influential venue in Cardiff managed by fashion and clothing enthusiast Sean, has become a pivotal space for fostering mens style and showcasing unique fashion pieces within the community. During the interview, Sean emphasised the venue’s role in promoting innovative fashion brands and providing a space for the Cardiff fashion community to find reasonably priced clothing that won’t break the bank but will keep you looking on top of your style game. His perspective on the evolving fashion scene in Cardiff highlighted the venue’s importance in shaping the city’s style, especially by supporting local independent brands.
The collector’s (Joe Brady and Julian) showcased their rare collection highlighting a veritable archive of fashion history, featuring some truly remarkable items. Among the standout pieces is a rare vintage 30 year old orange C.P Company goggle jacket which was constructed exclusively in Japan. Known for its distinctive design and historical value, such jacket’s are a testament to C.P Company early innovation. The collector’s enthusiasm for this jacket highlights its significance and the excitement of uncovering such rare finds.
Another gem is the 1988 C.P Company race jacket, known as the “Millie Maglia”. This jacket is especially notable for its association with Pierre Rossy, who wore it during the prestigious Mille Maglia race. The jacket’s provenance, including historical photos of Rossy, was acquired through a by chance sale in Italy. This addition not only enhances the jacket’s value but also weaves a narrative of fashion history that the collector cherishes.
One of the most intriguing stories shared was about a rare CP Company jacket discovered in the recycling pits of South Africa. This jacket, with its distinctive features and dramatic backstory, exemplifies the serendipitous nature of vintage fashion collecting. The jacket’s journey from discarded recycling clothing pits in South Africa to a prized piece in the collector’s wardrobe underscores the lengths to which fashion enthusiasts go to preserve and celebrate unique items, it’s thought that the person who salvaged the super rare piece paid only £30 quid at the time.
A particularly memorable anecdote from Stone Island vintage collector Julian involved the sale of a Stone Island x Supreme camo jacket to the late Virgil Abloh. Originally listed on eBay and the jacket was ultimately sold to Abloh for £1,350. This transaction not only demonstrated the piece’s value but also highlighted the connection between the collector and a significant figure in contemporary fashion, who he admits at the time “didn’t know who he was”. The journey of the jacket from the collector’s hands to the iconic “Abloh” in Chicago adds an intriguing layer to its story, somewhat a common theme for these esteemed collectors
Tony discussed Supremes marketing smartness, including the collaboration between Stone Island and Supreme and them selecting key pieces from stone island archive which stand out above the rest, including the “Toffee Wrapper”, “Riot Mask Camo” and “Heat Reactive Trend’. This modern partnership bridges the gap between past and present fashion, reflecting the ongoing influence of vintage aesthetics. Personal reflections on favorite items, such as a classic CP Company goggle jacket and a 1990 Stone Island duffel coat, further illustrate the collector’s deep connection to fashion history and their appreciation for iconic designs.
Hoxton’s interview with the vintage fashion collector’s provides a compelling exploration of Stone Island and CP Company’s legacy, enriched by personal anecdotes and historical insights. The collector’s journey through to their first pieces and on to rare find , the serendipitous discovery of unique items, and their connection to significant fashion figures offers a vivid portrait of vintage fashion. Additionally, the discussion about Cardiff’s fashion heritage and the role of venues like Unit 17 adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the city’s vibrant and evolving fashion scene.
With its blend of historical depth, personal stories, and exploration of Cardiff’s fashion legacy, this interview captures the essence of vintage fashion and the enduring impact of iconic Osti brands.
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