Calvin Klein and Palace might have just launched the collaboration of your dreams. Titled CK1 Palace and unveiled yesterday, this new collection perfectly synthesises the trademarks of both brands into an exclusive line inspired by their shared appreciation for nostalgia, self-expression, and inclusivity. 

CK1 Palace translates the attention to detail and passion for playful graphic designs of the London-based skateboarding brand onto Calvin Klein’s signature underwear, denim, tees, and fleece. Palace’s first attempt at women’s underwear, the collaboration is thoroughly centred around the neutral colour palette that traditionally permeates the garments of the New York-born fashion house — with tones ranging from black and white to wheat and quarry. 

The two labels’ logos become one as Palace’s iconic tri-ferg meets the K of Calvin Klein on some of the world’s most iconic pieces of clothing ever designed. Drawing on the vibe of 90s streetwear culture, CK1 Palace wants to rewrite the notion of sportswear presenting viewers with unexpected basketball jerseys as well as baggy shorts. Developed in purposefully faded washes, the collection’s denim is suspended between past and future and reinterpreted through modern details that preserve its inimitable legacy for the years to come. 

To honour Calvin Klein’s American heritage and Palace’s roots in skate culture, the brands expanded the collaboration to Palace’s collaborator and sneaker pioneer Vans. The fruit of this exciting union is a limited run of “Calvans”, a Calvin Klein x Palace reinterpretation of the classic, authentic skate sneaker featuring a dedicated logo across its structure. 

Moving beyond mere fashion, CK1 Palace also offers an unprecedented remix of the classic CK One Fragrance, the world’s first unisex scent. Imbued with the young, playful sensibilities of Palace, the limited-edition CK1 Palace fragrance brings back the original clear, citrus scent and reinvigorates its heritage with a sparkling note of frosted mandarin, and touches of violet leaf and oakmoss. “I feel so lucky to launch our first-ever fragrance with Calvin Klein,” Palace Founder Lev Tanju said in a statement. “CK One disrupted the status quo and to be able to make a new version of it in a Palace way has been a dream.”‍

Shot by groundbreaking image-maker Alasdair McLellan and styled by Max Pearmain, the campaign is an authentic portrayal of two cities: New York, Calvin Klein’s home, and London, Palace’s birthplace. Backed up by the participation of cultural icons such as Willem Dafoe, Pet Shop Boys, Adwoa Aboah, Lucien Clarke, Unknow T, Dame Joan Collins, and more, the campaign film is “a love letter to both cities, chronicling the dualities of New York and London, as the cast of characters stands proudly in their own unique identities while navigating their lives and unexpectedly crossing paths.”

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“From our first conversation, there was such a natural connection and mutual appreciation and understanding of one another’s brand vision and DNA,” said Jacob Jordan, Global Chief Merchant, Head of Product Strategy & New Product Ventures at Calvin Klein. “It’s been really inspiring for me to see how people outside of Calvin Klein interpret the brand and its history. I hope people will see that energy in the campaign and the products we created together.” 

“I grew up admiring the iconic Calvin Klein campaigns of the early ‘90s for their simplicity and their forward-thinking depiction of fashion that appealed to everyone,” said Lev Tanju. “It was so visually impactful: the casting, the energy, it really remains unmatched. This collaboration has grown organically and I’m proud of everything we’ve created together.” ‍

The collection will be available on April 8 at Palace London, New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo stores, www.palaceskateboards.com and www.calvinklein.com 

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