Fashion lovers and skate enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The much-anticipated collaboration between the iconic British design house Vivienne Westwood and London’s rebellious skate brand Palace is set to drop soon. On Friday, September 6th, the collection will launch across the UK, Europe, and North America, followed by a Saturday release on September 7th in Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong SAR. Whether you’re a fan of bold fashion or skate culture, this collection will be available online via palaceskateboards.com at 11:00 AM BST, 12:00 PM CEST, 11:00 AM EDT, and 11:00 AM JST.
This capsule collection is more than just a merging of two brands; it’s a celebration of the subversive and political spirit that both Palace and Vivienne Westwood embody. Known for their distinct and disruptive approaches to fashion, the collaboration channels the rebellious energy that has defined these brands. As stated in a joint release, the collection is “born from the subversive and political spirit shared by both” and is built upon the unique codes of each house, with culture and humor playing a central role in the designs.
Vivienne Westwood, the legendary anti-establishment designer who passed away in 2022, leaves behind a legacy of fashion that defied norms and championed individuality. Now under the creative direction of her husband, Andreas Kronthaler, the brand continues to push boundaries. Palace, co-founded by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in 2009, has rapidly evolved from an underground skate brand into a global streetwear powerhouse.
In a nod to their shared heritage, the collaboration was shot in London, the city that both brands call home. “Collaborating with Vivienne Westwood, it’s a massive thing for us: we love them, and we always have,” Tanju said. “To bring this collection to life was a dream come true and we wanted to shoot the collection in London, our shared home. Palace is independent, Vivienne Westwood is independent, and we admire independence.”
The collection is a visual feast, blending the boldness of Palace’s triangular Tri-Ferg logo with Westwood’s regal orb insignia, which references royal iconography. This newly amalgamated logo is splashed across T-shirts, denim jackets, and matching jeans, creating a striking fusion of the two brands’ aesthetics.
Diving into Westwood’s rich archives, the collection reinterprets some of her most iconic designs. A standout piece is a print from Westwood’s spring/summer 1992 collection, featuring a French salon scene with 20th-century gold frame chairs, marble plinths, and chandeliers. This intricate print now adorns an oversized Gore-Tex hooded jacket, baggy track pants, and a silk midi skirt.
Westwood’s signature corsets also make a comeback, reimagined for the modern era. These pieces transform the corset from its Victorian roots as a restrictive undergarment to a powerful, provocative statement piece. Highlights include cropped versions in black and gold satin, featuring a photograph of Tanju’s dog, Stuart, and a playful twist on a classic ribbed white vest.
Adding a touch of whimsy, the collection features oversized teddy bear bags in green plaid that can be worn as backpacks, a reference to Westwood’s Pagan 1 spring/summer 1988 collection. Bear motifs also appear on shirts, mini teddy bear keyrings attached to low-slung belts, and even a knitted beanie with “horns,” another signature Westwood design. And, of course, tartan—a fabric synonymous with Westwood.
This collaboration between Palace and Vivienne Westwood is more than just a collection; it’s a bold statement, a tribute to the spirit of independence, and a celebration of the rebellious heart of fashion. With pieces that draw on the rich history of both brands while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design, this is one drop you won’t want to miss.
