Palace Skateboards | UK Skate Brand That Took Over Streetwear

Palace Skateboards

Palace Waywards Boys Choir

When it comes to streetwear and skateboarding, few brands have made an impact like Palace Skateboards . Since its launch in 2009, this London-based company has evolved from a small skate crew into a global fashion powerhouse, loved by skaters and hypebeasts alike. With a unique mix of skate culture, high-fashion collaborations, and a distinct sense of British humour, Palace has cemented itself as a brand that’s here to stay.


The History of Palace Skateboards


Palace was founded by Lev Tanju in 2009. What started as a skate crew in London’s Southbank quickly transformed into a fully-fledged brand. Tanju’s initial motivation was simple: he wanted to make clothes for his friends who skated. The brand’s early pieces featured quirky graphics and an unapologetically DIY feel, setting them apart from the polished look of other skate brands at the time.


Palace Skateboards was born out of London’s raw skate scene, with its early lookbooks showcasing the gritty reality of urban skating. But what really set the brand apart was its authenticity. Palace wasn’t trying to fit into the fashion world—it was skating on its own terms, making apparel and decks that resonated with skaters.


Their early success can be credited to a mix of clever branding, high-quality gear, and that unique British sense of humour. From the get-go, Palace’s Tri-Ferg logo became iconic, instantly recognisable in the skate scene and beyond. What started as a local skate crew soon caught the attention of the global streetwear community, and the rest is history.


Palace Skateboards’ Unique Aesthetic


Palace Skateboards blends old-school skate style with a modern twist. Their clothing often features retro designs, with bold graphics that are humorous, irreverent, and, sometimes, downright bizarre. This creative edge has helped them stand out in a crowded market, appealing to both skaters and fashion enthusiasts.


Palace has never been afraid to get weird with its designs, and that sense of fun and spontaneity has been key to its appeal. You’ll find everything from trippy, nostalgic patterns to minimalist logo tees in their collections. The brand’s approach to skatewear is simple: if it’s functional and cool, it works.

The Palace Skate Team


At the heart of the brand is the Palace Skate Team. Led by some of the most influential skaters in the UK and beyond, the team has played a huge role in promoting Palace as not just a fashion brand but a legitimate skateboarding powerhouse. Key skaters include:


  • Lucien Clarke : A Palace OG, Clarke is known for his smooth, technical style and has been a key figure in promoting the brand worldwide. His role as both a skater and a designer has helped shape the aesthetic of Palace.

  • Chewy Cannon : Cannon is renowned for his raw, fast-paced street skating and has been repping Palace for years, solidifying his place as one of the most respected skaters on the team.

  • Rory Milanes : Another standout, Milanes embodies the core values of Palace with his effortless skating style and contributions to the brand's skate videos.


The Palace Skate Team doesn’t just promote the gear; they’re an integral part of the brand’s DNA. Whether they’re skating the streets of London, New York, or LA, these riders bring the same authentic energy to every project. Palace isn’t just a skate brand with a team—it’s a skateboarding crew that happens to sell clothes.


Palace Skate Videos: A Style All Their Own


Palace skate videos are more than just skate edits—they’re creative masterpieces. Combining fast cuts, lo-fi aesthetics, and trippy visuals, Palace skate videos are a unique extension of the brand. These videos aren’t just about showing off tricks; they’re a celebration of skate culture, often featuring unconventional camera angles, retro filters, and a sense of humour that feels distinctly Palace.


From the early PWBC (Palace Wayward Boys Choir) videos to their more recent productions, Palace has set the standard for skate films that entertain and inspire. These aren’t your typical skate parts. Palace Skateboards are wild, weird, and impossible to look away from with some of the sickest clips in the grimiest UK spots goin. 

Palace Skateboards Collaborations

One of the reasons Palace has grown so rapidly is its ability to partner with some of the biggest names in both streetwear and high fashion. Over the years, Palace Skateboards collaborations have become a major part of their success. Here are some of the most notable colabs:


  • Adidas : Palace has teamed up with Adidas multiple times, blending the skate culture of Palace with the sports heritage of Adidas. From clothing to footwear, these collaborations have been a hit with skaters and sneakerheads alike. The iconic Palace x Adidas Palace Pro shoes are just one example of how successful these partnerships have been.

  • Reebok : Palace Skateboards and Reebok have teamed up on several occasions to create limited-edition footwear. Their take on the Reebok Workout and Classic Leather silhouettes were instant hits and showed Palace’s ability to merge classic sportswear with modern skate culture.

  • Ralph Lauren : One of the brand’s most unexpected collaborations was with luxury fashion house Ralph Lauren. The Palace x Ralph Lauren collection featured everything from logo-heavy polos to outerwear that combined skate style with Ralph’s classic preppy aesthetic. It was an unusual mix but worked perfectly for both brands.

  • Juergen Teller : Famed photographer Juergen Teller collaborated with Palace on a unique collection that showcased his distinct photographic style, with pieces featuring his iconic imagery.


These collaborations have allowed Palace Skateboards to transcend the skateboarding world and become a major player in the streetwear scene. By working with established brands, Palace has managed to keep its core identity while reaching new audiences.


Why Palace Skateboards is Still at the Top


In an ever-evolving streetwear landscape, Palace Skateboards continues to push boundaries. What makes the brand stand out is its ability to stay authentic to its roots while consistently innovating. Palace isn’t just another skate brand—it’s a cultural force. From their unique product designs to their collaborations with some of the biggest names in fashion, Palace Skateboards has managed to stay relevant without ever losing sight of what makes them, well, Palace.


As the brand continues to grow, one thing is clear: Palace Skateboards is here to stay. Whether you’re a die-hard skater or just a fan of their bold designs, there’s no denying that Palace is one of the most exciting brands in both the skate and streetwear worlds.


So, whether you’re looking to snag some Palace decks or get your hands on their latest collab pieces, make sure to keep an eye on Palace’s upcoming drops. This brand is only getting bigger, and you’ll want to be along for the ride.

Paul Vale | 20th Oct 2024

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