Okay, let's talk about something real. You know Palace, right? The skate brand that’s made a name for itself by just doing its own thing, mixing skate culture with a proper British vibe. And then you’ve got Nike, the absolute giant, a name that pretty much defines sportswear. When these two link up, you know it’s not just another collab. After a bit of buzz and a few sneaky peeks online, it’s finally official: Palace and Nike have dropped their first collection together, and it’s a big nod to early 2000s football.
This isn't just about new clothes; it's about a feeling, a specific moment in time. The collection takes Nike’s iconic Total 90 range – remember those bold, in-your-face designs that players like Wayne Rooney rocked on the pitch? – and gives it that distinct Palace twist. Total 90 wasn't just about looking good; it was about performance, about making a statement. Now, Palace brings its unique perspective, blending skate and street culture with that unmistakable football heritage. It’s for anyone who loves the beautiful game, but also for those who spend their days on a board. Two different worlds, but both connected by urban life and a shared appreciation for style that’s a bit rebellious.
So, what’s actually in the collection? We're talking about everything from classic shell suits – those full tracksuits that were everywhere back in the day, comfy and cool – to proper football jerseys and fresh sneakers. Each piece is splashed with these new P90 graphics, which immediately take you back to that early 2000s era of football. And then there are the hoodies, tracksuits, sweaters, shorts, and T-shirts that feature Palace’s unmistakable Tri-Ferg logo. But this time, it’s got a layered Nike Swoosh sitting right there with it. It’s a clever way to show the two brands coming together, a real handshake between them on the design front.
The colours? They’ve gone for a mix of bold and more toned-down shades, but the real standout, the one that screams Nike, is that electric Volt green. You know the one – it’s been a signature for them, especially in their performance gear, for years. It’s a colour that grabs your attention, just like the Total 90 range always did. It’s bright, it’s confident, and it’s undeniably Nike.
Now, this collaboration isn’t just about what you wear. There’s a whole story behind it, a deeper purpose. The campaign film, shot by the brilliant Alasdair McLellan – he’s got a real knack for capturing the genuine spirit of British youth culture – brings together some serious legends. They all met up at Manor Place, which is a big deal in itself. It’s a brand-new space, a joint effort between Palace and Nike in South London (that's SE17, where the original article started, connecting the dots). Imagine this: a skatepark, a football cage, and exhibition spaces, all free to access. It’s a proper community hub, a place where these two worlds can actually collide and create something new, fostering creativity and connection.
And who’s fronting this whole thing? Well, you’ve got Wayne Rooney, a proper legend who pretty much defined the Total 90 era on the pitch with his incredible talent and drive. Alongside him are current England stars Leah Williamson, captain of the Lionesses, and Reece James, a key player for Chelsea and England. But it’s not just about the big names; they’ve also brought in the next generation of talent, like Lenna Gunning-Williams and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, showing that this collection is for everyone, from the seasoned pros to the rising stars.
Of course, Palace wouldn't be Palace without their crew. Their team riders are all over the campaign, with familiar faces like Lucien Clarke, Savannah Stacey Keenan, Kyle Wilson, Ville Wester, and Pedro Attenborough. And then there’s the absolute icon of skateboarding, Guy Mariano, lending his weight and street cred. To top it all off, South London’s own rap legend, Giggs, gives it his stamp of approval. When Giggs is on board, you know it’s got that authentic, street-level credibility that can’t be faked.
Lev Tanju, the co-founder and creative director of Palace, summed it up perfectly. He said they wanted to create an indoor football collection to launch with Manor Place. "We picked something that was nostalgic for us, something we all loved growing up, something iconic – Total 90." And here’s the classic Palace touch, bridging their two worlds in the most practical way: "I’ve always loved the shoe too because they’re great to skate in." That just tells you everything you need to know about how they approach things – it’s practical, it’s authentic, and it’s rooted in their own real-life experiences.
So, if you’re keen to get your hands on a piece of this history, the collection drops on October 31st. You can find it at Palace stores worldwide and online. And for the P90 footwear, keep an eye on the SNKRS app if you’re in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. It’s a chance to own a bit of that early 2000s football vibe, remixed for today's streets and pitches.
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