Stone Island was created in 1982 from an idea of Massimo Osti, who after studying various types of fabric, focused on a two-tone canvas utilized by trucks. Osti tried to extreme stonewashed treatment and the result was surprising.

So Osti renamed this fabric 'star canvas' and developed a collection of seven coats, declined in six biclor variations and invented the name 'Stone Island', which is derived from two recurring English words in Joseph Conrad's novels, on the one hand able to evoke the nautical look of the fabrics, remembering tarpaulins corroded by the sea and the sun, and on the other the military aspect that inspired the construction of the garments dominated by the typical features of workwear, where the form is dictated primarly  by the function and not by the aesthetics.

The logo also was born in that period: the compass rose, which is embroidered and applied just like a military plate on garment sleeves or chest.

The first collection was sold out in a matter of 10 days.

From there 'began a success story of which takes part Carlo Rivetti, who purchase the entire brand in 1993, concentrating in business , stylistic and productivedevelopment of Stone Island with important results of growth and development, without ever forgetting main concepts facts of experimentation and research on innovative fabrics, materials and unique treatments.