The first AW11 arrival here at End comes courtesy of one of the most famous labels around – Stone Island. We already featured and in depth look at their Diemme Colab Boot last week, and now our attentions turn to the quality clothing contained in this drop.

This early Autumn/Winter range comprises a number of Stone Island staples – designs that feature all year round – including polos, garment dyed sweaters and of course, some top quality outerwear. The colours are perfectly chosen to suit these classic styles, and each piece emphasises the S.P.W. ethos, using unique dying processes and specially developed fabrics to create a range that epitomises Stone Island.

This limited edition collection is a great preview of what we should expect from a very exciting AW11 season from Stone Island.

Although Stone Island is renowned for implementing cutting edge fabrics in their design its is in the detailing of the The Stone Island Ventile ‘Ghost’ Jacket that makes this limited edition jacket is unique. Originally pioneered by the RAF, Ventile is an uncoated and unlaminated cotton fabric which provides an unparalleled weatherproof using an ingenious combination of dense weave and swelling properties. This completely natural fabric offers a unique level of comfort as well as being wind proof, highly breathable and very durable, and as a result and has been used in some of the world’s finest outerwear performance military and medical garments.

Ventile has featured in the mainline, Denims and Shadow Project Stone Island ranges in the past but the ‘Ghost’ Jacket takes Stone Island’s fabric technology into unchartered territory. It is the first Stone Island jacket to feature an all white compass logo badge and white branded buttons, showcasing the Sportswear brand at its innovative best.

This is a must for any Stone Island fan, as Sportswear Company CEO Carlo Rivetti gives us an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Stone Island Head Quarters in Ravarino. He explains the philosophy behind Stone Island and shows us where each design begins, before heading off to the famous archive, where there are over 40,000 pieces for the design team to reference and use as inspiration. We then follow Carlo through the factory, as he explains the processes that go into each Stone Island collection, the dying, and choice of fabrics which are all thoroughly researched before production starts. He then takes us through the painstaking manufacturing process that defines each Sportswear Company piece and ensures that each product is produced to the highest possible standards.

This video shows the huge amount of thought and effort that goes into each Stone Island design, which is something that can sometimes be difficult to appreciate, and this candid interview with one of fashions true pioneers definitely makes for very good watching. Enjoy.

We have chosen to have a closer look at a couple of this season’s stand out pieces, both of which are featured in the video – The Liquid Reflective and Ice Jackets. Both of these styles showcase the innovation and forward thinking of Stone Island and give an idea of just how the vast resources at the Ravaniro HQ influence the design process.

We have received our first Autumn delivery from pioneering outerwear brand Stone Island. We have styles from both the black and white label collections, including the much anticipated Liquid Reflector Jacket. Thousands of glass micropsheres are sprayed onto the jacket, which is then baked to set the colour, and the reflective properties into the jacket. A truly innovative and individual jacket which epitomises the Stone Island brand ethos.

Head to the Stone Island section to view the styles from delivery one…

It seems to have been an age since we carefully selected our first ever Stone Island order, ready for AW10, but finally, finally, the deliveries have begun, and the wait was thoroughly worthwhile.

I’m sure nobody requires an introduction to Stone Island, started by Massimo Osti in 1981, the brand gained huge popularity and respect due to the use of unique and ground-breaking manufacturing processes. The Sportswear Company created new fabrics with innovative uses, inspired by the vast Massimo Osti archive of military and naval pieces.

This Video Lookbook shows some of the key pieces for AW10, including the return of the famous Reflective Jacket – in this case the Liquid Reflective which uses a brand new process where millions of glass beads are baked into the fabric to give it these unique properties. The Ice Jacket also features again, in both Waxed and Non-Waxed forms, and these great ‘White Label’ pieces are joined by a great selection of Knits, Outerwear, Jeans and Accessories, all carrying the famous Compass logo.

Our first delivery includes the superb Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket, Hats and Scarves, Jeans and the Blue Liquid Reflective jacket that features first in the Video. These will be online within the next 72 hours, however if you would like to register your interest early, give us a call on +44 191 261 9327 or email us for further information.