News And Projects

Palace Vivienne Westwood

02/09/2024 — Vivienne Westwood

Born from the subversive and political spirit shared by both the British design house, Vivienne Westwood and British skate brand, PALACE, their first collection, featuring clothing, accessories, jewellery and skateboards, is built upon respective house codes, with culture and humour at the heart of the designs.

Tradition and historical references are inflected with sportswear, repeat logos and technical fabrications. The Vivienne Westwood ‘Salon’ print first seen in the Spring – Summer ‘92 ‘Salon’ collection is found in Gore-Tex on a hooded jacket, track pants and skirt.

The PALACE triangle logo collides with the iconic Vivienne Westwood orb, imagery and prints from the Vivienne Westwood archives are seen across hoodies and T-shirts whilst the house logomania is combined with the Palace logo and printed across matching denim sets, mini skirt and a flight suit.

A first for PALACE, womenswear features in the collection. The Vivienne Westwood classic corset is reproduced and updated in black and white satin featuring a print of PALACE founder, Lev Tanju’s beloved dog Stuart, whilst a more informal ribbed cotton corset vest also appears in black or white. A fitted leopard knit zip up hoodie and track pants elevate everyday staples and is also featured on crew necks and cheeky knickers, all with combined logo lock up on back.

Accessories stand out in the shape of oversize teddy bear bags inspired by Vivienne Westwood’s ‘90s iconography. A beanie features Westwood ‘horns’, and features alongside trucker caps and tartan Gore-Tex berets. Long printed socks, orb necklaces, studded small leather goods and skateboards complete the offering.

Underscoring the disruptive spirit of both houses the campaign reflects the nature of the collection, photographed by Shoichi Aoki, the founder of Japanese street-style magazine FRUiTS. An innovator and icon, Shoichi depicts the collision between fashion and the street; his documentation of the characters he encountered in Tokyo proved a precursor to street style imagery.

For the PALACE VIVIVENNE WESTWOOD campaign, a bold cast that embodies the spirit of both brands was shot in the unique style of the legendary zine. Artists, musicians, skaters, goths and activists converge, flaunting the collection in their own unique style. They include; US rappers and singers Semetary and Matt OX, 90’s model and activist, Sibyl Buck, model couple Ed Teller and Issa Lish, Palace rider Lucien Clarke as well as DJ and singer Josh Café amongst others.

‘From the first day I went to Palace years ago, I liked what they are doing. Their designs are made with quality, they are accessible and democratic. It felt natural for us to join forces, it was a very playful exercise, and it was a pleasure working with the team and making new friends.’

— Andreas Kronthaler, Creative Director, Vivienne Westwood

‘Collaborating with Vivienne Westwood, it’s a massive thing for us: we love them, and we always have. 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.’

— Lev Tanju, PALACE co-founder

In keeping with the foundations of FRUiTS, Shoichi shot the campaign in the streets of London. From the arcades of Soho to Chinatown, a vintage store in Camden and a souvenir store on the edge of Shaftesbury Avenue; a celebration of the undercurrent of the street.

‘Working with Andreas Kronthaler and the entire Vivienne Westwood team has been an incredible experience. Vivienne Westwood has long been a massive inspiration to me, particularly through the brand’s ever-evolving creative output. We are immensely proud to have collaborated with such an iconic British brand. This collection is a true reflection of our shared values and influences, bringing together two distinct perspectives united by a common ground of independent thought, all with a uniquely London twist.’

— Gareth Skewis, PALACE co-founder

The campaign will be collated into a limited-edition zine, available for free with purchase in store.

PALACE VIVIENNE WESTWOOD launches globally at 11am (BST)

Friday 6th September 2024