Summary:
- Stone Island releases Year of the Horse capsule with stand collar jacket, joggers, cap, and sling bag in NYLON METAL fabric
- Collection uses gold and dark brown colors, with special dyeing process creating iridescent effects through selective thread treatment
- Campaign photographed in Hu Zhou by Chiang Ming Shih, features actor and equestrian Ethan Juan
Stone Island has introduced a capsule collection for the 2026 Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Horse. The brand positions the horse as a symbol of strength and forward motion, qualities the company associates with its design philosophy.
The collection centers on two specific colorways: gold and dark brown. Both shades hold significance in traditional beliefs about prosperity for the coming year. The line includes four items: a stand collar jacket, loose-fit joggers, a cap, and a sling bag.
All pieces use NYLON META fabric, a material Stone Island has developed as part of its textile research. The fabric's appearance comes from a particular weaving technique combined with a specialized dyeing method. During production, only the nylon threads receive color treatment. The polyester threads remain undyed, keeping their original shade. This selective process produces an iridescent quality that shifts depending on light and viewing angle.
The dark brown version adds another layer to this effect. Weavers incorporate golden polyester thread into the base fabric. When the nylon threads receive their dye treatment, the golden polyester stays untreated. This combination creates a more complex visual depth and enhances the color variation across the fabric surface.
The collection's graphics take a minimal approach. Stone Island's logo appears with a blur effect, a design choice referencing speed and motion. The brand pulled this visual from its archives, connecting the new release to past design work.
Stone Island commissioned photographer Chiang Ming Shih to shoot the campaign in Hu Zhou. The brand also worked with filmmaker Lyu Qing on a companion video. Actor Ethan Juan appears in both the photos and film. Juan has prior experience with equestrian sports and has collaborated with Stone Island on previous projects. His background adds context to the Year of the Horse theme.
The NYLON METAL fabric represents the technical side of the collection. Stone Island has built a reputation for fabric development and treatment processes. This material demonstrates the company's approach to combining visual interest with functional textiles.
The capsule reflects Stone Island's method of connecting seasonal themes with its established design language. The brand took traditional Lunar New Year symbolism and filtered through its own aesthetic framework. The result balances cultural reference with the company's ongoing focus on material innovation.
Stone Island's choice to work with Juan extends beyond his public profile. His equestrian background provides a direct link to the Year of the Horse theme. The decision to shoot in Hu Zhou adds geographic specificity to the campaign.
The collection's limited scope keeps focus on a few key items. The stand collar jacket serves as the main piece, with the joggers, cap, and sling bag offering complementary options. This structure allows the NYLON METAL fabric and its iridescent properties to remain the central feature across all pieces.
The blur effect on the branding connects visual elements to the theme of movement. Stone Island's archive provided the source material, showing the brand's practice of revisiting and reinterpreting past design solutions for new contexts.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.