Flipper’s Debuts Streetwear Line Celebrating Roller Skating Legacy

Summary:

• Iconic skating brand Flipper’s is launching its first-ever fashion collection.
• Led by Liberty Ross, the debut “Flipper’s Fashion Collection” includes is inspired by contemporary street design and includes several archival references.
• It launches online today at flippers.world and in-store exclusively at Dover Street Market Los Angeles – an homage to the city where it started in 1979.

Skate groups have been taking over parks and city streets in recent years, with a new wave of young people tapping into the scene not just for sport, but for real-life connection. But, skating has always been more than movement:. iIt’ has a vibrant culture rooted in music, fashion, and self-expression.

At the center of this skating scene is Flipper’s  – the skate brand relaunched by Liberty Ross in 2022, daughter of Ian “Flipper” Ross who founded the iconic West Hollywood spot in 1979. More than a skating hall, Flipper’s is a cultural hotspot that has attracted the likes of Prince, Usher, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige over the years – as well as a mix of subcultures and fashion inspired skate collaborations that include with Brain Dead, adidas and Hunza G for instance.

Now, after a run of high-energy revivals and partnerships, Flipper’s is stepping into its next era – introducing its first-ever fashion label, Flipper’s Fashion Collection, led by Ross’s daughter and fashion entrepreneur Liberty Ross.

The Fall/Winter ‘25 unisex drop channels skate heritage into sharp, contemporary streetwear. Standouts include a reimagined MA-1 bomber, photo-printed nylon outerwear, and bold sherpa jackets. Graphic tees and sweats feature original archival imagery from the Palace’s golden era, while collectables like totes, skate straps, band-aids, and sticker packs tap into the nostalgic heart of the skate community.

We spoke with Liberty Ross to talk about the vision behind the line, the power of skatewear as a cultural language, and how fashion can bring even more people into the skating community. Check out her thoughts below.

Hypebeast: It’s your first fashion collection – why now?

Liberty Ross: Our excitement is our community. From our book Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace 1979-81, to rinks, to merch, to collabs finally we are ready to provide our community with apparel specifically designed with them in mind – I can’t tell you how many times friends come up to me at Flipper’s and say “We need cargos with stretch!” for example. They are my inspiration behind everything we do at Flipper’s.

With archival fashion references dominating social media algorithms, nostalgia can start to feel like a loop, leaving little separation from the past to create new design concepts in fashion. Flipper’s Fashion is rooted in heritage – but how do you tap into the past without getting stuck there?

Things like music, film and fashion will always borrow from the past. The unique thing here is we actually have an authentic history – we take from the spirit of Flipper’s and how it was launched in 1979, and combine that with the sensibility of modern day skate enthusiasts to create what we have today.

What keeps the design language forward-facing?

We’re reimagining wardrobe staples through modular design — pieces that transform when taken apart, offering fresh ways to wear them with functionality that moves seamlessly from skating to everyday life, across seasons.

Skating’s seeing a new wave of interest, with people turning to it as a digital detox and a way to connect in person. Micro-scenes are popping up everywhere, but how can streetwear act as a bridge for building these IRL skate communities and help more people get into the space?

There is no sport more connected to the street than rollerskating. A lot of fashion is influenced by street culture – hence the term streetwear. There is no better street style than rollerskating. Fashion and sports have collided and we are trying to honor true and authentic roller skate style for the skaters and even for those who don’t, who just want to feel that freedom.

You’ve done some great collabs in the past – with Brain Dead, for example. Now that Flipper’s pushing its own standalone line, what shifts in the creative process? What are the brand codes we can expect to anchor this independent collection?

Functionality is very important.  As is the legacy as foundation – staying true to the cultural DNA of Flipper’s. Roller skating as freedom, community and underground. A clear point of view [that's] alive with color and graphics.

The recent drop with Phoenix Mercury drew a clean line between skate and hoop culture. Why do you think this worked?

To me basketball and roller skating share the same DNA: they are both born from the streets. Flipper’s has taken roller skating to the NBA Finals Halftime Show and, as you mention here, we are currently the jersey badge sponsor for the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team. Basketball has created its own runway: the tunnel. Some of these players have an extraordinary sense of style – I’m not surprised at all that what they wear catches on. We believe the same will happen with rollerskating.

With that in mind, will the “Flipper Fashion Collection” continue to merge skate with other sporting lanes? Are we going to see more of those unexpected cultural intersections?

Absolutely yes! Our mission at Flipper’s is to continue to elevate the sport of roller skating. Skaters are athletes and we have orchestrated roller skating on the biggest stages in the world – from the Super Bowl to the VMAs and EMAs. We believe rollerskating can play on the same stage as any sport.

For someone trying to find community through skating – not just the sport, but the lifestyle – what’s your advice on getting involved and feeling part of the skate community?

The community is incredibly welcoming and, whether you have skated before or not, you become part of a family. Skaters will always pick you up when you fall down – which is inevitable! You can be three or 103 and have a great time. We at Flipper’s do our best to nurture rink culture around the world.

The Flipper’s Fashion Collection is available now in store at Dover Street Market LA and on Flipper’s website.