Following the recent trend of linking up with some of Japan’s hottest exports, Palace Skateboards has unveiled a new collaboration with Needles - the eldest brainchild of the Nepenthes family that was started by Keizo Shimizy in 1995, following years of love and appreciation for all things timeless menswear.
Part of the same lineage as brands like South2 West8 (of Supreme fame) and Engineered Garments (who collaborated with Palace for FW22), Needles is Nepenthes’ longest standing passion project that initially focused on derivative examples heavily influenced by just about every branch of Americana, but has since blossomed into a staple of the wider contemporary scene.
A perfect marriage of Palace’s Euro-sport flair with the timeless characteristics of Needles, the capsule is built around the duo’s willingness to die on the tracksuit hill, materialised here through a lineup that in terms of fit, follows Palace’s prerogative but are made from plush velour and decorated with a reconfiguration of Needles’ usual side taping and “P” zip charms.
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Aside from blue and black options, Palace and Needles set the tone for the wider capsule through a leopard print variant.
More loud prints feature on pullover hoods, alongside the selection of hairy knit jumpers that pay homage to Needles’ ‘rebuild’ range through a cohesive mishmash of panelling that extends to matching headgear with pointed, ear-like corners.
The selection of short-sleeved towelling tees reinforce the athletic inspiration with taped arm detailing and dual logos embroidered at the chest.
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When Shimizy first cut the ribbon on Needles in 1995, the brand was largely focused on the esoteric crossover where the western and workwear niches meet and no two items better represent Needles’ founding aesthetic than the wide-fitting denim jacket and jeans.
Tripling-up as a nod to Japan’s rich heritage in denim, the mid weight, pleat-less jacket features Needles’ butterfly mascot embroidered in an all-over fashion, with contrasting plain yokes, cuffs and chest pockets. Further details include a vintage-inspired pen slot on the left chest pocket, exposed rivets and a Palace wordmark stitched on the sleeve, “rebuilt” in the same font used by Needles.
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Matching loose fit jeans and bucket hats are also available, again featuring the utilitarian detailing present on the jackets.
As if the latest release wasn’t heavy enough, Palace adds further weight with through awaited in-house goods, dropping the hyped Sportiva knitted football jersey that’s directly inspired by an old AS Roma strip, decorated with mock “Parilla” branding and anniversary numbering at the back.
There’s also the faux suede Sherpa Jacket and Trousers, available in black, tan or white and two irreverent hat styles to close out this week’s release.
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The Palace x Needles collaboration and latest Holiday ‘24 instalment drops this Friday, December 13th at 11:00 am GMT, available via Palace online and physical stores across the globe.
