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It’s the weekend before Oscar weekend, and the art world has descended upon Los Angeles for Frieze Art Fair. And, with art fairs, as we well know by now, come fashion attachments. Italian outerwear brand Stone Island has a long history of collaborating with artists and recently signed on as an official partner of Frieze, specifically supporting Focus, the section within the fair dedicated to showcasing younger galleries.They’re taking the opportunity to expand their extremely loyal fan base with the LA exhibit Selected Works ’982-’024. It’s the brand’s first-ever US archival exhibition, showcasing rare and never-seen-before pieces.
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People seem to either know everything about Stone Island or close to nothing at all. For the latter, here’s a quick primer. You may have seen it on Dua Lipa and Drake, or, if you’re deeply committed to the ’90s, Liam Gallagher of Oasis. Director Spike Lee and Jony Ive are fans. Calling it streetwear is a misnomer. What sets this cult favorite apart from others is dedication to innovation with fabrics and textiles, unique garment dyeing techniques, and the true functionality of each piece.
Fashion houses have been attaching themselves to art fairs for a while, and, when executed poorly, the combination can appear disjointed and confusing. This one makes sense. Consider the exhibition a masterclass in all things Stone Island, and a fun one at that. It’s also really more of an experiential mini-museum than a one-room show. Spaces throughout Buttercup Studios in Culver City are reimagined as galleries featuring different collections, photo installations, and video rooms. Guests can walk through an array of 42 archival pieces—one item to represent each year the company has been in existence, reach inside a clear glass refrigerator and squeeze an Ice jacket to watch it change color from their body heat, and pet the faux-fur parka and other limited-edition pieces from collaborations with Supreme and NikeLab.
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The brand believes in ‘Lab-Life,’ meaning building community through production, which opens the door to bring friends of the house, and friends of friends of the house into the fold. Local cafe Community Goods has a setup for a caffeine boost, and Avi Gold’s Better Gift Shop offers a curated selection of vinyl records, rare books, and vintage Stone Island clothing. Throughout the run of the show, there will be DJ sets, documentary screenings, and a talk hosted by Chris Black of How Long Gone fame.
Community doesn’t hold much weight unless it’s formed organically, and there’s a reason that 42 years in, the global underground network of Stoney enthusiasts is stronger than ever, silently communicating with each other through the embroidered wind rose compass badge. So what is it about Stone Island that resonates? According to Avi Gold, it’s the authenticity of the brand. “‘It’s not trying to be anything that it’s not. It’s more than fashion. It’s a lifestyle. It’s vibes.’”
Set up a time slot to visit, today through March 3, on the site.