© Palace / Photography: Stirling Elmendorf

Skateboarding is inextricably linked to urban culture, and when thinking of inspiring cities across the planet with buzzing communities, Tokyo is obviously listed in the upper ranks. As a leading British brand within the realm of skateboarding and streetwear, Palace has not only carved a name for itself on home turf, but also far beyond the British Isles. Founder Lev Tanju has cleverly banked on his company’s appeal, and understanding the appeal of a brick and mortar presence, he launched his very first store in London three years ago. Needless to say, the store has been a goal of pilgrimage for the fanbase since it opened, and now, following the launch of a store in New York City in 2017, another outpost has bowed in the Japanese capital. Nestled in Harajuku‘s maze of boutique-lined alleyways, just off bustling Omotesando Dori, the store occupies the second and third floors of a boxy modern structure. The building is largely defined by faux bricks and an expansive glass façade. The Palace logo, the so-called Tri-Ferg, is situated on the inside, and straddles the two floors, beckoning the fanbase from afar. The interior design is simple and linear, captured by walls clad in both lacquered timber and green marble, and paired with polished concrete flooring. A sales counter is also clad in green marble, and so is the meandering staircase with matching in-laid logo floor. Upstairs, a similar setting can be found below a large skylight shaped as the Tri-Ferg logo. The new Palace store carries the brand’s full range of skateboards and apparel items, including the collab items with Polo Ralph Lauren and Pringle of Scotland, in addition to a range of items adorned by graphic designs by artist Fergus Purcell who created the brand’s logo.

Palace
5-9-20 Jingumae (Harajuku)
Tokyo 150-0001
Telephone: +81 3 64272587
Mon-Fri 12-7
Sat 11-8
Sun 12-7

© Palace / Photography: Stirling Elmendorf