The sun and salts of the Earth make up some of the most beautiful and iconic spectacles when captured in the right light. They become all the more iconic when the community element is pictured with the landscape. One particular imagery of such energy is a Californian sunset, punctuated by the rugged grace of skaters that soar across the frame as "palm angels".
Such is the birth of the Palm Angels label, founded by Francesco Ragazzi first as a photography book before expanding into a brand that lifts its followers with the same entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by the LA skate subculture. Over the years, the brand has gained a solid foothold in the international street wear scene and has parked itself this year on the roster of Milanese luxury house Moncler's headliner collaboration project Moncler Genius - alongside JW Anderson, Craig Green and Rick Owens, combining Ragazzi's characteristic take on the West Coast's grungy romance with Moncler's innovative approach to fashion.
But this is not the founder's first encounter with Moncler. In this exclusive interview, Men's Folio speaks with Ragazzi about his special relationship with Moncler, why he decided to take up this collaboration project, and how he intends to continue expanding the Palm Angels universe with his love for all things Americana and the paradoxical allure of future nostalgia.
Hi Francesco! You were one of the first designers confirmed on the Moncler Genius roster — what made you take up this project?
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Forged in Steel
Franck Muller celebrates Sincere Fine Watches’ 7Oth anniversary with avery special Vanguard.
Made For Modern Life
The Volvo EX30 is the much-needed vehicle for a joyful and fuss-free ride.
Eastern Charm
With a blazing display of KARLS Group's culinary bravura, the Upper House KL gives classic Asian flavours a modern twist.
When Worlds Collide
Where revered tradition meets unceasing imagination, Hennessy has teamed up with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel for its latest collaboration.
Business Means Business: Cathay Pacific
With the return of flights, and the additional of new ones, there is little reason to doubt that doing a stopover in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific to any destination in the world from ASEAN is the best decision one might make in their lifetime. Plus, its concrete Business and Premium Economy Class offerings, and world-renowned lounges in HKIA make travelling on the Hong Kong-based airline an experience via a stopover, rather than a chore.
Malaysia's New Zenith
Celebrating the first Malaysian Zenith boutique in The Exchange TRX.
Two-Timing
Cartier's timekeeping greats for 2024 range from the classic to the experimental.
Racing Through Time
Celebrating Rolex’s timeless relationship with motor racing.
A Man And His Watch
Men's Folio Malaysia speaks to watch collectors about the first watch that drew them into the hobby.
A Cartoon's Charm
Cartoon watches might seem childish but there are reasons to feel otherwise, especially if the nostalgia transports one back to childhood days.
