Palm Angels celebrated a significant milestone at Milan Fashion Week with the launch of Decoding Palm Culture, a new photography book by founder Francesco Ragazzi. Held on September 21 at a former military space on Via Vincenzo Monti, the event marked the 10th anniversary of Ragazzi’s first book, which originally captured the LA skate scene and led to the creation of the Palm Angels fashion brand. The evening brought together art, fashion, and culture, paying tribute to the brand’s roots while looking ahead to its future.
Decoding Palm Culture, curated by renowned tastemaker Stefano Tonchi, features 50 previously unreleased photographs that explore the cultural and artistic significance of palm trees. These images were presented in various formats, including large-scale prints and plexiglass impressions, immersing guests in the world of Palm Angels. The book also includes essays by Luca Scarlini, philosopher Emanuele Coccia, and author Giovanni Aloi, offering deep reflections on the symbolism of the palm tree. Ragazzi’s personal essay, along with Tonchi’s foreword, highlights the origins and evolution of Palm Angels over the past decade.
The event kicked off with an exhibition of Ragazzi’s photographs before transforming into one of the most talked-about parties of Milan Fashion Week. Featuring DJ sets from Chloe Caillet, Prospa, and Simone de Kunovich, the celebration continued late into the night, embodying the free-spirited energy that has become synonymous with Palm Angels.
Founded in 2011 as a photographic project, Palm Angels has since evolved into a global fashion brand, blending Italian craftsmanship with American subculture influences. The release of Decoding Palm Culture not only commemorates the brand’s journey but also hints at its exciting future, as Ragazzi continues to expand the vision that started with a simple photograph of a palm tree.