🛹 Palace Skateboards: From Grit to Global Glory

Palace Skateboards is more than just a brand—it's a cultural force that emerged from the gritty streets of London and carved out a unique identity in the global skate and streetwear scenes. Let’s dive into its origin story, what makes it iconic, and where it stands today.

🌍 Origins: From a “Palace” in Waterloo

Palace Skateboards was founded in 2009 by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in London, England. The name “Palace” was an ironic nod to the rundown flat in Waterloo where Tanju and his skate crew lived—a place they jokingly referred to as a palace. This crew, known as the Palace Wayward Boys Choir (PWBC), became the nucleus of the brand’s identity.

Tanju, a passionate skater, began by designing T-shirts and board graphics, while Skewis brought business acumen from his experience at Slam City Skates, one of London’s most respected skate shops. Together, they built a brand that was unapologetically British, irreverent, and deeply rooted in skate culture.

🔺 The Tri-Ferg and Visual Identity

Palace’s logo—the Tri-Ferg—is a Penrose triangle designed by Fergus “Fergadelic” Purcell, a graphic designer known for his work with Marc Jacobs and Stüssy. It symbolizes perpetual motion and has become one of the most recognizable emblems in streetwear.

Palace’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by 90s pop culture, VHS-era visuals, and British humor. Their promotional videos often blend skate footage with absurdist comedy, creating a distinct voice that sets them apart from more polished or commercial brands.

🛹 Skate Team and Sponsorships

Palace has always maintained a strong connection to skateboarding. Its original team featured Lucien Clarke, Olly Todd, and Charlie Young, later joined by Danny Brady, Chewy Cannon, Karim Bakhtaoui, Blondey McCoy, and Rory Milanes. These skaters not only represented the brand but helped shape its identity through raw, authentic skate videos.

In 2017, Palace released its first full-length skate video, Palasonic, which showcased the team’s talent and reinforced its commitment to skateboarding.

👕 Collaborations and Cultural Impact

Palace is known for its eclectic and often unexpected collaborations. Over the years, it has partnered with:

• Adidas – including sport-specific collections for tennis and golf

• Reebok – multiple footwear drops

• Ralph Lauren – a high-fashion crossover

• Stella Artois – lifestyle apparel and accessories

• Calvin Klein – featuring actor Willem Dafoe in promotional content

• Elton John – a capsule collection celebrating the music icon

These collaborations have helped Palace transcend skateboarding and become a staple in global streetwear. Celebrities like Rihanna, Kanye West, Drake, and Dua Lipa have been spotted wearing Palace, further cementing its cultural relevance.

🏙️ Global Expansion and Present Day

From its humble beginnings in Waterloo, Palace has grown into an international brand with flagship stores in:

• London

• New York City

• Los Angeles

• Tokyo

• Seoul

Its drops are highly anticipated, often resulting in long queues and instant sell-outs. Palace continues to release seasonal collections that blend skate sensibilities with fashion-forward design, maintaining its edge while expanding its audience.

The brand remains fiercely independent, with a tight-knit team and a DIY ethos that keeps it grounded. Despite its success, Palace hasn’t lost its sense of humor or its commitment to skateboarding.

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