3 September 2024 |
Sometimes collaborations come along that make such perfect sense you wonder why they haven’t been broached before. The new Palace x Vivienne Westwood capsule collection falls firmly into that category. A harmonious clash of subversive spirits and subcultural independence, the brands, which both call Britain home, have ensured that for their debut partnership, London is at its heart.
Sounding the alarm with a campaign shot by the founder of legendary Japanese street-style magazine Fruits, Shoichi Aoki, a diverse cast boasting Palace rider Lucien Clarke, activist and model Sibyl Buck and rapper Matt OX, stand proud against a backdrop of the capital’s most recognisable areas. The offies of Soho, skateparks of Southbank and collectible figurine shops of Chinatown are scattered with Palace x Westwood warriors so intimidatingly cool you can barely look them in the eye.
Westwood’s ‘Salon Print’, originating from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection has been revived and given the gorp-core treatment, appearing on hooded jackets, track pants and skirts made from Gore-Tex. For Palace, the release marks its first foray into womenswear, with key pieces like a classic Westwood corset reminaged with a print of founder Lev Tanju’s dog, Stuart. A seamless blend of identities comes in the form of the fused logo, with Westwood’s cross-topped orb centring itself inside Palace’s graphic triangle. Accessories don’t fall short, with oversized teddy bear bags inspired by iconography that peppered Westwood’s design language in the 90s of particular note. Tartan berets, trucker caps and beanies accessorised by horns act as the perfect finisher for the punk-permeated looks.
“From the first day I went to Palace years ago, I liked what they are doing,” says Westwood’s creative director Andreas Kronthaler on how the collaboration came to life. “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.’”
Echoing his sentiments, Palace co-founder Gareth Skewis says, “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.”
Palace x Vivienne Westwood launches globally at 11am BST on Friday (September 6), with each lucky buyer set to be given a limited-edition zine to commemorate the collab. Available in flagship stores or at Dover Street Market London, LA or Tokyo, the pieces can also be bought online, so keep your eyes peeled and credit card close. Discover more here.
Photography courtesy of Vivienne Westwood.
