Get your skates on! Flipper’s is coming for the fashion industry

In 1979, Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross opened a roller skating paradise in the heart of Los Angeles. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace was the purple and blue-painted hotspot for California’s youth, including famous faces like Elton John, Nile Rodgers and The Who. 

Cher, another regular at the roller palace, was as impressive with her skating abilities as she was with her outfit choices. “My ultimate skate style icon is Cher,” says Liberty Ross, model and daughter of the legendary Flipper’s founder, responsible for the rink’s 2022 reboot. “Not only do I want to wear that, I want to create it.”

Three years on from the grand reopening of Flipper’s in London, the brand just dropped its debut clothing line, a streetwear collection creatively directed by Ross herself. “This collection is inspired by all things Flipper’s – the energy, the community, the sport and the legacy, as well as the people, stories and fashion I experience at our rinks today,” explains Ross. “I find the diverse mix of characters, ages, styles and music extremely inspiring.” 

The collection itself features a series of bomber jackets, caps that read ‘Hot Wheels’, and slogan t-shirts declaring ‘I <3 skater girls’. “Skating is all about self-expression, it’s a safe space to let go and be free to be who you want to be, but it’s also a sport, and this collection cradles that, incorporating ventilation, layered pieces and breathable fabric,” says Ross. “All the graphics are lifted from our archive, prints are from old newspaper clippings and our story is told through everything down to the tag.” 

She’s also keen to point out that this collection, though an ode to the art of skating and the people within the community, is not reminiscent of the past. “Flipper’s is a true representation of roller skating culture today, this collection is not retro,” she says. “You have to dress well to skate well, and I’ve never witnessed a more stylish community in my life.” 

Elsewhere in fashion this week, the industry went into mourning after learning the news that the great Giorgio Armani had sadly passed away at the age of 91 – we honoured the Italian designer by taking a look back at some of his greatest fashion moments. We’ve also been trying to track what the hell is going on between Luigi Mangione and Shein, Cardi B’s courtroom style and all the nominees for this year’s fashion awards. Here’s everything else you need to catch up on…