Stone Island's had a major 2015. Outside of receiving co-signs from Drake and a retrospective in downtown NYC, the Italian label has gone from a niche-like presence within the U.S., to one of our best brands of the year. But they're not slowing down anytime soon, and Stone Island's latest project—a collaboration with fellow sportswear giant Nike—proves that its going to be a force to be reckoned with well into the future.
Focusing on the Nike Windrunner, the collab combines the dyeing and technical innovations of Stone Island, with Nike's storied sportswear history. Dating back to 1978, the Windrunner jacket was a revolution, with the jacket's raglan sleeves and chevron yoke becoming a fast favorite among track stars and B-Boys alike. Adding Stone Island's unique fabrics, this modern Windrunner sprints forward into the new era.
Utilizing Stone Island's Mussola Gommata fabric, the iconic chevron and hood are water and wind resistant—thanks to the material's bonding of cotton with polyurethane film. Stone Island's proprietary Nylon Metal material—a double-dyed nylon yarn that gives off a unique metallic sheen—composes the body of each Windrunner jacket.
"Stone Island loves challenges," said Stone Island president and creative director Carlo Rivetti in a statement. "It's a great satisfaction to share our know-how and expertise with Nike, which is undoubtedly a pinnacle leader in innovation and performance."
This collaboration is part of a larger Nike initiative, announcing that 2016 is the "Year of the Windrunner." Along with Stone Island, NikeLab will be collaborating with Japanese brand Sacai, a label that Nike has previously worked with on a line of women's apparel and sneakers.
Speaking of sneakers, the Stone Island collaboration features a twist on the hiking boot-sneaker hybrid, the Koth Ultra Mid. Featuring Stone Island's Mussola Gommata material, the shoe will come in either a black or olive green colorway. With premium details like a leather lining and waxed laces, the boot is just as impressive as the collaboration's apparel. Each boot comes with a dual-branded dust bag.
If you're interested in getting your hands on this collaboration, head over to Stone Island flagship locations, NikeLab retailers, and the Stone Island and NikeLab webshops when the collection drops on Dec. 17.
