New Chapters: Stone Island Joins Forces With Moncler

Italian luxury house, Moncler has agreed to buy Stone Island, once a rival maker of high-end sportswear, for a reported 1.86 billion dollars, as new platforms for luxury fashion continue to emerge with the ongoing pandemic. 

With a new shared vision of philosophy - Beyond fashion, Beyond luxury, the two Italian brands are expected to continue with their interpretation of the evolving cultural codes of the new generation, and embrace the search for experientiality, inclusivity and a sense of belonging to the community, something that Moncler has made itself a name for.

"We’re coming together," says Remo Ruffini, Chairman and CEO of Moncler S.p.A. in a press release, "at a challenging moment both for Italy and the world, when everything seems uncertain and unpredictable. But I believe it is precisely in these moments that we need new energy and new inspiration to build our tomorrow. This is a union of two Italian brands with the same values, the same management rigor, the same passion for innovation, the same love for their people and the same desire for the future."

Carlo Rivetti, Chairman and CEO of Stone Island says: "Remo and I have decided to combine forces and visions to meet together and with greater strength than ever the challenges we all face. We share the same roots, similar entrepreneurial journeys and the utmost respect for the profound values of our brands and our people."

"This is a partnership that represents a great opportunity for the continued development of both companies and which will help Stone Island accelerate its international growth thanks to Moncler’s experience in both the physical and digital retail world. This is also an opportunity to share and grow for all the people of Moncler and Stone Island with whose contribution we will continue to write, together, a story of ingenuity, creativity and professionalism to honour Italy in the wider world", he continues.

Moncler was founded in 1982 and known for its luxury edgy sports jacket, and high-tech fabrics and even garments that can change colours depending on temperature. With Stone Island, they may be better able to tap into the growing Gen Z market, who were the first to return to stores after lockdown, Bain & Co. stated in a recent report. 

Both labels have also seen positive growth over the past few years, such with Moncler's notable Moncler Genius project that collaborated with the likes of Rick Owens, J.W. Anderson and Pierpaolo Piccioli.