Palm Angels creative director Francesco Ragazzi is bringing us his SS17 collection in Paris today. A skate label formed to reflect the LA skate culture, the designer’s photographic book Palm Angels – that captures LA skaters – is the idea bible for his collections. Using his own work as an inspiration, he ensures his creations come from the same core, “so that it feels very true to the world of Palm Angels”.

Whilst SS16 was polished and clean-cut, SS17 looks set to be a more relaxed fit. While still a continuation from previous collections, this season draws on a different creative realm, think Woodstock ‘69, Jimi Hendrix and those mud-caked Glasto photographs currently doing the rounds in the newspapers. Ragazzi explores the transcendent festival spirit and the collective passion for music that pulsates throughout. Skatepark meets Pyramid Stage, sounds good to us.

Fiona Hope McDowall: Can you take us through the key things you were thinking about this season? Jimi Hendrix features pops up a lot on your mood board…
Francesco Ragazzi: Like every season, I start with a picture I took for the book so that it feels very true to the world of Palm Angels. This time, it’s a young skater that reminded me of Jimi Hendrix. I started to imagine the modern youth in a new era: Woodstock festival, Glastonbury, Coachella. I create a sort of film in my mind of who I am thinking about. The clothes are basically just a part of it.

FHM: What do you love about music festival culture and style – the likes of Woodstock, for example?
FR: People gather for the love of music, and it’s a moment of sharing. There is an energy that goes behind the music, and that reflects in the style.

FHM: There was a very clear thread between FW15 and SS16, strong use of gold, embroidery and similar motifs, but FW16 was different, a larger variety in colour, graphics and material. What’s the next step?
FR: I feel that the collection keeps growing and maturing with time, and I feel like I can experiment more without losing my DNA. Palm Angels should reflect the new generation. I am actually reporting what is happening, and my interpretation of it.

FHM: What is most exciting about this season?
FR: I feel that this time, the collection is a great story almost everyone can relate to. It’s a sense of freedom and youth given by the energy and passion for music.

Palm Angels shows its SS17 collection at 5pm today.

Follow Fiona Hope McDowall on Twitter @fionahope_