Originally launched in 1981 Boneville was the creative overspill of Massimo Osti’s extensive and ongoing research ideas for CP Company which was then followed up by his third line Stone Island the following year.
Now I don’t know what was in the water in Bologna back then but clearly whatever Mass was drinking it was having a ridiculously prolific effect. Though unlike CP and SI Boneville came to an untimely end back in 1993 and has been something of a sleeping giant ever since. Two decades on and having been bought by entrepreneur and long-time fan John Sharp the label has finally returned by way of two distinctive strands –Boneville and B.N.V. Sporting Goods both of which share strong seafaring influences and Osti’s ethos of research-led design despite their difference in style. It’s a relief to know that the rebirth of this special brand also has Lorenzo Osti’s blessing, saying:
I recently enjoyed the opportunity to take a closer look at the first collection of Boneville’s re-launch. Having been away from the market since its last collection in 1993, some 20 years ago, I was delighted to discover the way in which my father’s work had been sensitively and successfully interpreted, heralding the original spirit of the brand: silhouettes, bold colours, interesting fabrics and clever functional solutions.
Now all I need (once I’ve got one of those Boneville duffel bags that turns into a coat) is for someone to bring the sublime French label Chipie back into production and I’ll be a very happy man.
