Words by Nerys d’Esclercs
With 1990s skate revival back in full swing, Palm Angels is one of the most sought-after brands of the moment. Founded in 2015 by Francesco Ragazzi, the label first began as a Rizzoli photography book that documented the Los Angeles skate scene, showcasing black and white pictures that Ragazzi took in 2011 when he lived on the West Coast. Now, Palm Angels’ authentic ties to the scene make it the go-to skatewear archetype — from graphic tees and baggy pants, to sunglasses, bags and sneakers.
Before Palm Angels, Ragazzi was the creative director behind legendary French outerwear brand Moncler for 10 years. It’s a connection that’s led to white-hot collaborations between the two coveted brands in recent years. The latest 8 Moncler Palm Angels collection stars Naomi Campbell in its campaign, and serves up signature logo puffers, tracksuits and accessories. FARFETCH Private Clients can enjoy exclusive access to shop the pieces.
Palm Angels’ new hotly anticipated collaboration comes via FARFETCH BEAT — our new retail program that releases exclusive products, created in collaboration with the most progressive voices in fashion and culture — as we join forces with Ragazzi to curate the complete Palm Angels experience. This limited-release package includes customizable University sneakers with unique charms, a signed tote bag detailed with a print from the original Palm Angels photo book, and an exclusive invite to the brand’s next runway show in Paris. ‘For this project, I wanted to literally bring the customers into our world,’ says Ragazzi. ‘There’s a picture in the [Rizzoli] book that is so vivid, portraying a skater with long blond hair. That picture is now featured on the exclusive and numbered tote bags that customers will receive with the University sneakers.’ Enjoy exclusive access to shop this experience, only on FARFETCH.
Discover more about Palm Angels’ most-wanted pieces, the need-to-know sizing advice and Ragazzi’s brand philosophy below.
Most-wanted puffer jackets
Palm Angels jackets have been a brand focus — and certified streetwear favorite — for seasons. ‘[Palm Angels’ aesthetic plays out] through the straightforward materiality of urban-attuned clothing,’ explains Ragazzi. The label’s padded coats and puffer jackets embody this vision, offering timeless streetwear styles that are subtly revised for each season, collection story and collaboration. The perennial designs feature signature stripes on the sleeves and the unmistakable logo at the chest, and come in a wide range of colorways including red, green and black. More season-specific renditions feature eclectic prints like heady, sunset-inspired motifs — as well as metallic and flame-emblazoned designs seen in the new 8 Moncler Palm Angels collaboration, only available to FARFETCH Private Clients.
SIZING: Standard international sizing — jackets usually range from XXS to XXL.
FIT: Palm Angels outerwear usually fits true to size. We recommend you get your regular size. Note that pieces tend to be cut for a slightly loose fit.
CARE: Wash your jackets and puffers in a washing machine on a delicate or gentle setting at a low temperature to not damage the outer shell.
Bold tracksuits
With its origins rooted in skate culture, it’s unsurprising that Palm Angels’ fresh take on a sportswear classic is among the highlights in its impressive roster. Defined by high-impact colorways and instantly recognizable logo details, Palm Angels tracksuits have been spotted on the likes of rapper Savage. Each track jacket and pair of track pants comes in a selection of bold, block colors — from purple, blue, yellow and orange, to more muted black and white options. They can be mixed and matched easily, and work well styled underneath the brand’s iconic puffer jacket.
SIZING: Standard international sizing — tracksuits usually range from XXS to XXL.
FIT: Palm Angels tracksuits usually fit true to size. We recommend you get your regular size.
CARE: We advise washing your printed tracksuits by hand at a low temperature to prevent the motifs from fading.
Hype sneakers
When it comes to footwear, Palm Angels’ sneakers are key to its offering. A sleek and timeless silhouette, the Palm One sneaker comes with the distinctive Teddy Bear patch and can be easily styled with the rest of your wardrobe. The newest style in the label’s footwear lineup is the University. ‘The idea behind the University sneaker was to design a shoe that perfectly merged the sense of freedom typical of skate culture with the sports aesthetics of the 1980s,’ explains Ragazzi. ‘The sneaker takes inspiration from classic American college looks, and is characterized by a vintage style and timeless silhouette. The soft leather and suede combined with a super-light rubber sole, presented in different colorways, makes the sneaker truly iconic and allows it to stand out within Palm Angels’ shoe collection.’ The University sneaker is available via FARFETCH BEAT 007 and comes with unique brand charms for customizing each pair — shop the limited-release collection of only 100 packs, only on FARFETCH.
SIZING: Italian sizing — sneakers usually range from IT 35 to 50, which equates to US 2 to 17.
FIT: Palm Angels sneakers usually fit true to size. We recommend you get your regular size, although they only come in full sizes, so if you’re a half size, take the next whole size up.
CARE: Use a soft bristle brush with warm soapy water to clean mud or grass stains. Store them in their original dust bag and shoe box to keep them looking fresh for longer.
Logocentric T-shirts and hoodies
From logo T-shirts to graphic hoodies, Palm Angels tops deliver a style for every taste and low-key occasion. The most famous motifs defining the brand’s T-shirts and hoodies are the unmistakable Teddy Bear and Shark graphics, with new seasonal prints revealed with every collection. For spring/summer 2023, the palm tree and beach graphics, as well as tie-dye patterning, are among the key callouts. Palm Angels tops are statement pieces in themselves and are best styled with baggy jeans that lean into the skatewear aesthetic.
SIZING: Standard international sizing — T-shirts and hoodies usually range from XXS to XXL.
FIT: Palm Angels tops usually fit true to size, although they are designed to be worn loose, so opt for a size smaller if you prefer a tighter fit.
CARE: Wash in a machine or by hand at a low temperature to prevent prints from fading, and iron inside out.
Graphic accessories
The Palm Angels closet wouldn’t be complete without the brand’s extensive range of most-wanted accessories — think palm tree belts, branded slides, cross-body bags and bold logo sunglasses. ‘Curation is the right way to define my approach,’ says Ragazzi. ‘[The brand] is many different things.’ For a smaller piece that maximizes on style, look to the label’s day-to-day favorites like the logo backpack, available in graphic prints and more muted colorways, and summer staples that will slot seamlessly into your warm-weather rotation — highlights include the Angel sunglasses, Paradise cap and striped bucket hat.
SIZING: Palm Angels accessories usually come in one size.
CARE: Store in their original dust bags to keep them looking fresher for longer.