Italian fashion house Stone Island has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 campaign, spotlighting renowned architect Philippe Starck as one of its models. This collaboration not only showcases the brand’s innovative designs but also aligns with its ongoing commitment to exploring the intersections of fashion, design, and community.
In a striking series of portraits, Starck is seen wearing a hooded parka from Stone Island’s minimalist Ghost line, priced at £2,310. The images also feature the elegant black AI dining chair, designed by Starck for Kartell, further emphasising the synergy between the two creative realms.
The Ghost collection, first introduced in 2013, reflects Stone Island’s ethos of innovation and functionality. Inspired by military attire and the concept of camouflage, the collection embodies a commitment to blending into one’s environment while maintaining a strong visual identity. The designs are recognised for their minimalist aesthetic and monochromatic palette, with even the Stone Island badge crafted in a single colour to seamlessly integrate with the garment.
The Ghost parka worn by Starck is made from fine Merino worsted wool twill, featuring a resin coating on the inside to block wind. This coating adds structure to the fabric while preserving the natural drape of the wool. The garment is dyed using a PFC-free anti-drop agent, aligning with Stone Island’s focus on sustainability. Furthermore, it is padded with high-quality feathers that have been treated to withstand the dyeing process and is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring ethical sourcing.
This campaign is part of a broader initiative called “Community as a Form of Research,” curated in partnership with critic Hans Ulrich Obrist. The project features influential figures from various fields, including design, sport, and music, who model signature items from Stone Island’s collections. Starck joins a distinguished list of participants that includes producer Peggy Gou, musician Liam Gallagher, actor Russell Tovey, and architect Joseph Grima.
As part of this collaboration, Stone Island has also published a 100-question interview with Starck conducted by Obrist. In their dialogue, Starck offers insights into his design philosophy, stating, “Definitely modern, knowing that there is no modern without classic.”
Philippe Starck is a renowned French designer and architect known for his wide-ranging work in industrial design, furniture, interiors, and architecture. Born in Paris in 1949, Starck gained international fame for his innovative and often unconventional designs that combine aesthetic appeal with practicality. His work spans various fields, including product design, hospitality, and transportation.
Starck’s approach to design is often characterised by minimalism, functionality, and sustainability, with an emphasis on creating objects that are accessible to a wide audience. He has designed everything from everyday household items, like chairs and kitchenware, to luxury yachts and hotels. Some of his most famous creations include the “Juicy Salif” citrus squeezer for Alessi, the “Louis Ghost” chair for Kartell, and interior designs for hotels like the Delano in Miami and the Royal Monceau in Paris.
Throughout his career, Starck has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Kartell, Alessi, and Vitra, as well as more mainstream companies like Microsoft and Apple. He is recognised not only for his contributions to modern design but also for his philosophy of “democratic design,” which seeks to make high-quality, aesthetically pleasing design accessible to the masses.
Founded in 1982 by Massimo Osti, Stone Island has established a reputation for pioneering fabric research and functional design. The brand is known for its distinctive materials and dyeing techniques, drawing inspiration from military and workwear influences. The introduction of the Ghost collection signifies a significant evolution in Stone Island’s offerings, allowing for a more subdued yet equally impactful aesthetic.
According to Stone Island, the “Community as a Form of Research” project aims to provide deeper insight into the brand’s distinct community and the cultural narratives that define its identity. This initiative not only highlights the brand’s connections to influential figures but also reinforces its commitment to exploring the complex interplay between fashion and society.
With its Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 campaign, Stone Island continues to push boundaries, merging high fashion with practicality while celebrating its rich heritage and the vibrant communities it engages with.
