Palace Sneakers

From the Southbank skate scene. Palace began in 2009 among the skaters of London’s Southbank, with founder Lev Tanju and a crew that included future pros such as Lucien Clarke and Blondey McCoy. The name came from Tanju’s anything-but-palatial flat, jokingly called “the palace” — the ironic humour that would come to define the brand.

The Tri-Ferg as a signature. The triangular logo, the Tri-Ferg, is an impossible Penrose triangle designed by graphic artist Fergus Purcell. Simple at first glance but impossible on closer inspection — and instantly recognisable, from small embroidery to large back prints. It is considered one of streetwear’s strongest logos.

British culture over marketing. Palace built its reputation on authenticity: raw skate videos, London architecture and dry British humour. That authenticity led to collaborations with adidas and Ralph Lauren, among others, without losing its distinctive voice.