Today we present the lookbook of the new Stone Island Shadow Project Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. Designed by Acronym founder and designer Errolson Hugh, the collection once again impresses with technical appeal, yet a lot of style. Colors and silhouettes are very interesting this season, reflecting a modern look, that can blend in with pretty much anything.

Check out the full Stone Island Shadow Project Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook after the jump.

In 2012 Stone Island will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Having started in 1982 with just one fabric in six colors, the brand never stopped to innovate and is today doing better than every before. During Pitti Uomo Summer 2012, they will be hosting a show and a retrospective showcasing the brand’s vast archive and key areas. Furthermore they will be releasing a book for its 30th anniversary, featuring 300 iconic images. The book will release June/July 2012.

Of course there will also be special product for the occasion. One of three specials, we can already show you today – the Reflective Knit.

“Transferring technology from fabric to yarn, the ultimate in Stone Island research. Created using a Reflective yarn, built with micro plates covered with thousands of glass microspheres enclosed in a polyester net, printed using pressure/heat sublimation to melt the fibers and get an even surface with a jersey and high performance Windstopper® liner.”

You can be sure that we will report extensively about the other garments and events around the anniversary. A further look at the reflective knit follows after the jump.

We have to admit, if somebody would have asked us about Stone Island 3 years ago, we would never have thought that they would come back so strong. Sure, they have always produced solid collections, but after their massive success in the 90s, or that is at least when we noticed them the most, a comeback seemed unlikely.

With the rise of technical fashion and more innovation in the market, the Italian brand was suddenly again at the front of the movement, because to be honest, they have always done that – developed their own innovative fabrics, added unseen functionality into their clothing. We have heard people say, that other high fashion houses in Italy would scoop up the entire Stone Island collection at the beginning of each season for inspiration. We are not sure any other brand can say that of their lines.

Anyways, here is now a preview of the upcoming Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. Of course the outerwear is most interesting, but also some of the fleece and knitwear pieces look very good. The colors and materials are as innovative as they could possibly be – standard Stone Island procedure.

Check out the line after the jump.

The Ice Jacket is a high rate technology garment: the cotton fabric has a thermo-sensitive coating, water and wind resistant. The molecules of the coating’s micro-encapsulated pigments modify the passage of light when temperature lowers and morph to darker a color. Check out the video here above.

This autumn marks the 20th anniversary of the grand opening of the first Nitty Gritty store in Stockholm. For the occasion they’ve produced six collaborative items with six different brands, each limited to 20 pieces.

The first piece to be unveiled is a Stone Island Parka, treated with a rainproof garment dye, resulting in a modern ‘OLD’ look. The jacket also features a removable resin-treated wool lining, a special Nitty Gritty label, as well as all the usual Stone Island details.

More images follow after the click.

Mr. Errolson Hugh shows up Stone Island’s innovative ‘Hydrophobic’ treatment that allows for water repellence on sweatshirts, knits and jeans.

Not long ago we presented the new Stone Island Shadow Fall/Winter 2011 Collection, designed by Acronym designer Errolson Hugh. In the video here above, he introduces us to the new collection.

“He lends himself to be the hero of this video introducing us to the PARSEQ GRID, the performance system at the base of the Shadow Project since its inception and the FW collection pieces, explaining concepts/design/technical features/functionalities, all thought for a perfect symbiosis between item, environment and wearer. Nothing is left to chance, as in the best Shadow tradition. All shown (and worn) in this video.”

Enjoy!

Next to their line-up of hiking boots, Stone Island and Diemme also worked on a high top sneaker for Fall/Winter 2011. The sneaker comes in light grey and black suede versions, featuring a Frasson outer sole that improves the grip performance of the sneaker. Furthermore the Stone Island logo has been embossed on the outer of the sneaker and the Diemme logo is placed on the in-sole. The sneakers are now available from the official Stone Island online store.

Check out the second colorway after the jump.

Today we take a closer look at the newly opened Stone Island Flagship Store in Paris. An installation dedicated to the moon and the fascination of images inspired by space expeditions was the setting of the opening cocktail of the first Parisian address of the Italian brand. The references to space symbolize a commitment to research that’s always been in the DNA of Stone Island.

The 80 square-meter store located in the heart of the Parisian capital was subject to an intense renovation plan. While the merchandising is entirely displayed on the ground floor, the double-leveled glass façade is articulated on two floors and offers a strong exterior visual impact.

The store opened with the FW 2011/2012 collections of Stone Island and Stone Island Shadow.

Stone Island Flagship Store Paris
316 Rue Saint Honorè
Paris, France

Take a look inside the store after the jump.

As previewed earlier from us, we can present today the newly released collaboration between Stone Island and Diemme on the Roccia Vet boot for Fall/Winter 2011. Overall the boots come in 4 colorways, which show once again the unique and innovative design take by the Italian apparel brand. Featuring premium suede uppers, they come with a Vibram micro outer sole and carry the Stone Island logo on the heel and the tongue. The limited edition boots are now available at End.

See all four after the jump.