Freedom of Being

Founder and Creative Director of Palm Angels Francesco Ragazzi - homes in on his affinity with Moncler and what inspired the Moncler Genius Palm Angels collection.

- Charmaine Tan

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?