Stone Island presents Infinite Colours, a feature-length film by Ken-Tonio Yamamoto about the community of workers at its headquarters in Ravarino, deep in the industrial district of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The docu-poem tells the story of Stone Island from an unparalleled perspective–by the people who make the garments themselves–conveying the unique spirit of continual research and experimentation that lies at the heart of the community and the brand.
“Stone Island is all about infinite colours—not just the shades of its garments, but the endless creativity behind them. The title Infinite Colours is a nod to this approach, a way of thinking about possibilities and opportunities, brought to life by a community of people who turn bold visions into reality.”–Ken-Tonio Yamamoto
Infinite Colours opens with a series of striking night shots of the headquarters, which, in Yamamoto’s vision, represent “the spirit” of Stone Island. As dawn breaks, the building comes to life with employees, whom Yamamoto describes as “the blood of this organism,” arriving for work. The camera follows them through various activities: from selecting raw materials to creating garments, from dyeing and washing to managing the archive where their work is preserved for future generations.
Yamamoto’s decision to engage with employees is crucial in illustrating that Stone Island is not defined solely by its designers or creative team, but by a much larger community. Their testimonies weave a narrative of dedication, passion, joy in their work, and pride in what they create. This paints a portrait of a thriving community that continues to grow through constant experimentation, using mistakes as stepping stones to success. Here, the human touch remains an essential element in a predominantly mechanical production process.
Throughout the film, Yamamoto enriches the narrative with still-lifes that highlight the colors and materials of Stone Island’s most iconic garments, beginning with the first produced, Tela Stella SS ‘082, and continuing through Pure Metal Shell – Silver AW ‘999-‘000, Pure Metal Shell – Bronze AW ‘999-‘000, and the Kevlar Jackets from the AW ‘000-‘001 season.