Stone Island will stage a major archival exhibition in Seoul this September during the second Frieze Seoul. This immersive showcase marks a significant moment for the brand in Asia, presenting a cool assembly of over 70 pivotal Stone Island pieces. The collection stretches back to the inaugural spring/summer 1982 release, kickstarting a journey through the brand’s evolution.
“Selected Works_Seoul ‘982-‘023: The Stone Island Archive” is thoughtfully curated to transport visitors into an all-encompassing Stone Island cosmos. The exhibit commences with a ghost-white, soundproofed area, serving as a tantalizing teaser of what lies ahead. Initial interaction with Stone Island creations is tactile and immersive – a series of refrigerators hold new iterations of the interesting Stone Island Ice Jacket, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the dramatic metamorphosis these thermosensitive pieces undergo with temperature changes.
The centerpiece of the exhibition, the main hall, reverberates with a cathedral-like display of 45 archival pieces. Each piece stands as a testament to pivotal milestones in the brand’s narrative. Notable gems include the Tela Stella cape from the groundbreaking 1982 debut collection, the enigmatic Glazed Silk Light jacket from 1987, and the monochromatic marvel Ventile® Ghost Piece from 2011.
Amplifying the visual appeal, a towering installation of nine plinths captures attention, crowned with life-sized 3D printed sculptures showcasing iconic Stone Island ensembles and the models that brought them to life.
On the mezzanine floor, a display of fourteen Reflective Jackets, an emblem of Stone Island’s fabric innovation prowess, gleams against a black backdrop to maximize their radiant presence. Adjacent to this visual spectacle, a vitrine boasts 3D miniature printed mannequins crafted to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary in 2022.
Venturing to the second floor, the spotlight turns to the resplendent Pure Metal Shell jackets. A total of 35 examples in stainless steel and bronze take center stage, suspended from metal wires in an environment adorned with a concrete finish. Culminating the journey are seven rare pieces from the Prototype Research_Series, each accompanied by insightful films chronicling the groundbreaking innovations encapsulated within each garment.
Syncing harmoniously with the pulse of Frieze Seoul’s second edition, this exhibition promises to become a cultural focus for South Korea. The exhibition’s stage is set at the Layer 41 Studio, featuring an exclusive private preview on September 4th before opening its doors to the public from September 5th to 9th. The occasion further comes alive with two special events – a conversation with Stone Island’s chairman, Carlo Rivetti, on September 5th, and an archivist-led exploration by collector Archie Maher on September 6th.
