Palace and Vivienne Westwood Collaborate on Iconic Collection Merging Streetwear and Classic Designs

The recent collaboration between Palace, a British skate brand, and Vivienne Westwood, a legendary British design house, marks a significant moment in fashion history. This partnership blends the rebellious, political spirit of both brands, resulting in a unique collection that spans clothing, accessories, jewelry, and skateboards. With a focus on culture and humor, the collection is a fusion of their distinct aesthetics and shared values.

Drawing inspiration from Westwood’s extensive archives, the collaboration reimagines several of her iconic designs. Notably, a print from Westwood’s Spring/Summer 1992 collection, which depicts a French salon scene with opulent 20th-century gold chairs, plinths, and chandeliers, has been revived. This print appears on an oversized Gore-Tex hooded jacket, loose-fitting track pants, and a silk midi skirt, adding a touch of luxury to the streetwear pieces.

For the first time, Palace has included womenswear in their collection, featuring corsets—a signature design of Westwood’s. Westwood revolutionized the corset in 1987, transforming it from a restrictive Victorian undergarment into a bold, empowering statement piece. In this collaboration, the corsets are reimagined in cropped versions made of black and gold satin, and some are adorned with a photograph of Tanju’s dog, Stuart. The collection also includes a playful take on the classic ribbed white vest.

The collaboration's logo symbolizes the union of the two brands, merging Palace’s Triangle symbol with Westwood’s iconic globe. The "Salon" print from Westwood’s 1992 collection has been reinterpreted on various pieces, including jackets, tracksuit pants, and GORE-TEX skirts. The collection features a wide range of items, from tartan hats, pants, and jackets with bondage details to Victorian-inspired corsets. It also includes streetwear staples like bombers, GORE-TEX suits, and printed T-shirts. Accessories in the collection range from a teddy bear-shaped backpack to belts, wallets, and a line of jewelry.

Lev Tanju, the co-founder of Palace, expressed the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a monumental achievement for the brand. He emphasized the shared trait of independence between Palace and Vivienne Westwood, noting that both brands deeply respect this quality. Tanju also highlighted the importance of shooting the collection in London, a city that is home to both brands and a significant part of their identities.

Andreas Kronthaler, Creative Director of Vivienne Westwood, echoed this sentiment, praising Palace for their quality, accessibility, and democratic approach to design. He described the collaboration as a natural and playful partnership, noting the pleasure of working with the Palace team and the new friendships formed during the process.

The campaign, shot by the irreverent photographer Shoichi Aoki, founder of the Japanese street style magazine FRUITS, pays tribute to London’s underground culture. The shoot took place across iconic locations in London, including Soho, Chinatown, and Camden, capturing the city’s vibrant spirit. The lookbook features a diverse cast, including American rappers Sematary and Matt OX, model Sibyl Buck, and DJ/singer Josh Café, among others, showcasing the collection's blend of high fashion and street style.