Palm Angels: The Iconic Fusion of Street Culture and Luxury Fashion
In modern streetwear, Palm Angels stands out as a cultural phenomenon, redefining how we perceive luxury through a skate‑inspired lens. Established in 2015 by Francesco Ragazzi, Palm Angels seamlessly marries California counterculture with refined Italian craftsmanship. Known for its bold graphics, distressed aesthetics, and oversized silhouettes, the brand has become a symbol of rebellious elegance and global youth identity.
The inception of Palm Angels occurred when Ragazzi turned a photography project into a fashion manifesto. From the sun-drenched Venice Beach skate parks to Milan’s ateliers, Palm Angels embodies a duality—raw and polished, American and Italian—that resonates worldwide.
Origins & Founder: The Soul Behind Palm Angels
The Photographic Roots
Francesco Ragazzi—a former art director at Moncler—first documented LA’s Venice Beach skate scene in a Rizzoli‑published coffee‑table book (2014), with a foreword by Pharrell Williams. The stark black-and-white skate imagery and palm-tree motifs inspired the brand’s name and aesthetic foundation
Launching the Brand
In collaboration with New Guards Group, Ragazzi launched Palm Angels in 2015. It aimed to reinterpret American skatewear through an Italian lens, creating graphic-heavy tracksuits, distressed denim, and oversized hoodies manufactured in Italy
The Essence of Palm Angels’ Aesthetic
A Bold, Graphic-Led Identity
Palm Angels is characterized by its gothic logos, flaming teddy bears, palm motifs, and deliberately distressed graphics—a visual rebellion that defines its aesthetic
Streetwear Meets Luxury
The brand blends casual, free-spirited L.A. style with fine European tailoring. Tracksuits and hoodies feel lived-in yet are made with premium fabrics and meticulous stitching
Cultural and Visual Storytelling
Each collection weaves in Ragazzi’s photographic vision of palm trees, skaters, and west-coast subculture. His recent “Decoding Palm Culture” exhibit during Milan Fashion Week celebrated this identity through immersive installations and new photobooks
Iconic Pieces & Collaborations
Palm Angels Tracksuits
The label’s signature piece: sleek yet oversized tracksuits in bold colorways or with striking graphics. These have become staples of both streetwear and celebrity wardrobes
Graphic Tees, Hoodies & Denim
From flaming logos, palm visuals, and distorted fonts to distressed oversized denim, Palm Angels’ tops and bottoms capture its raw, expressive DNA.
Standout Collaborations
Palm Angels has teamed up with:
Moncler (“Moncler Genius”) – blending street aesthetics with technical outerwear; campaigns featuring Naomi Campbell
Under Armour – creating performance streetwear pieces.
Haas F1 Team – designing racing-inspired street style for track and fan apparel, including branded garages and Grand Prix T‑shirtsOther brands: Suicoke, Clarks, Vilebrequin, Tod’s, and collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami
Global Reach & Brand Strategy
Rapid Growth & Luxury Ambitions
Palm Angels has achieved double‑digit growth since 2017; it’s among the fastest‑growing brands under New Guards Group (now Farfetch); and aims to shift toward a luxury powerhouse with direct retail expansion in cities like Milan, New York, Paris, and Miami
Flagship stores in Milan, Miami, Las Vegas, New York and LA support a growing network—alongside placement in top luxury retailers like SSENSE, Farfetch, MR PORTER, and Saks Fifth Avenue
Lifestyle Expansion
In 2025, Palm Angels signed a licensing agreement with Revlon to launch its first fragrance in 2027, marking its step into the luxury lifestyle sphere beyond apparel
How to Wear Palm Angels
Street-Ready Vibe
Pair an oversized Palm Angels hoodie or tracksuit with sneakers, bucket hats, or cotton caps. Add minimalist jewelry or a painter tote for a complete look.
Elevated Styling
Combine Palm Angels trousers with structured outerwear or tailored blazers. Layer graphic tees under leather jackets for a fashion-forward, high-low mix.
Athleisure Flair
Match graphic Palm Angels tees or hoodies with joggers or sweat shorts and slides for relaxed, sporty comfort.
Statement Maker
Let bold Palm Angels pieces shine—simple white tee, straight-leg jeans, statement sneakers—keeping the outfit grounded but impactful.
Brand Impact & Cultural Significance
Redefining Streetwear
Palm Angels challenged traditional luxury norms by integrating skate imagery, grunge aesthetics, and cinematic visuals into upscale fashion—a shift that helped define “luxury streetwear”
Celebrity Endorsements & Influence
Favored by A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Joe Jonas, Rihanna, Travis Scott, and even the UK Prime Minister in Palm Angels sliders—its visuals and wearability travel across music, sports, and politics
From exhibitions like “Decoding Palm Culture” to photobooks and immersive installations, Palm Angels offers more than clothing—it offers community and cultural commentary
Challenges & Sustainability
Palm Angels is starting to address sustainability by exploring eco‑friendly fabrics and transparent production. While still in early stages, greater emphasis on responsible manufacturing is emerging as a future priority
Conclusion
Palm Angels is a brand born from a vision: to capture the spirit of L.A. youth through the discipline of Italian craftsmanship. From a photo book to global fashion status, it blends grit and luxury, skate subculture and runway polish. Ragazzi’s ability to innovate across mediums—fashion, photography, exhibitions, fragrance—and collaborations has made Palm Angels more than a label—it’s a cultural force.
Whether you’re drawn to its tracksuits, tees, denim, or soon its fragrance line, Palm Angels is for those who want to wear attitude, art, and authenticity.
FAQs About Palm Angels
1. What is Palm Angels known for?
Palm Angels is known for its skate-inspired streetwear with luxury quality—featuring bold graphics, oversized silhouettes, and iconic motifs like flaming teddy bears and palm trees.
2. Who founded Palm Angels and when?
It was founded in 2015 by Italian photographer and designer Francesco Ragazzi, previously creative director at Moncler
3. What inspired the name “Palm Angels”?
The name derived from Ragazzi’s photo of a skateboarding blond youth “floating” under palm trees—evoking angelic imagery and California’s symbolic flora
4. Where are Palm Angels garments made?
Most are produced in Italy, with occasional Portuguese manufacturing, ensuring high standards of craftsmanship
5. What are some key collaborations?
Notables include Moncler Genius, Under Armour, Haas F1 Team, Clarks, Suicoke, Tod’s, and artists like Takashi Murakami
6. Can Palm Angels be considered a luxury brand?
Yes. Its Italian-made garments, exclusive drops, curated branding, and retail presence in high-end stores position it in the luxury streetwear sector
7. How do I ensure authenticity?
Buy from official retailers or scan Certilogo QR codes included on products. Watch for correct labeling, consistent stitching, and quality finishes
8. Is Palm Angels eco-friendly?
The brand is beginning to explore sustainable materials and reducing manufacturing waste, though it’s still evolving this aspect
9. What’s next for Palm Angels?
In addition to opening new global stores and extending direct‑retail, Palm Angels is launching its first fragrance in 2027 through a licensing deal with Revlon—expanding into lifestyle beyond fashion .
10. How should you style Palm Angels?
Options are vast: stylish streetwear (tracksuit + sneakers), elevated layering (Graphic tees + tailored outerwear), or clean basics with bold accessories. Let the focal piece shine while grounding the rest of the look.