In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the brand, Stone Island has partnered with Rem Koolhaas' OMA/AMO to develop a new concept store in Chicago. According to Stone Island, the new location looks to transcend a store solely made for transactional activities, intended as a place for new points of reference, a hub for its communities, and a venue for the brand to share experiences and put the full wealth of its research and experimentation on display.
"Research and innovation are the core of Stone Island. The space, materiality, and program of the stores underpin the brand's ethos, and reinforce a sense of belonging of its community of like-minded people," writes AMO Director Samir Bantal.
The new store features alter-like spaces which highlight the brand's devotion to technology and development. At the same time, niches for archival pieces and prototypes are set aside to showcase past ideas and future ambitions in product design. As a whole, the OMA/AMO's store design took inspiration from Stone Island's approach in transforming materials from typical to unique.
The stone-like finishes of the space were achieved using specially treated materials without using actual concrete or stone. Shredded paper and resins were compressed under high pressure to appear as faux-concrete panels with sandblasted cork and sand-coated corrugated steel panels also appearing as central building materials. Finally, a large digital chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, broadcasting Stone Island messaging to its community.
"Stone Island and AMO share values of innovation, functionality, and passion," says Stone Island Creative Director and President Carlo Rivetti. "I am happy to begin this important partnership, a new visual approach for our stores, to speak to our communities.
The new 180-square-meter Chicago store concept opened on Thursday is the first of several other locations planned for Seoul, Munich, and Stockholm. Outside of store opening hours, the spaces will also be used to host public presentations, salons, workshops, and private events. Take a closer look above.
Stone Island
48 East Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60611
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