our inspiration from our own archives and the people who have been a part of our community for decades.
Iconic Skating Brand Flipper’s Launches First-Ever Fashion Collection
Get ready to shred in style because Flipper’s, the iconic skating brand, is making a major move into the fashion world. Led by Liberty Ross, the debut “Flipper’s Fashion Collection” is inspired by contemporary street design and features several archival references. The collection is now available online at flippers.world and exclusively in-store at Dover Street Market Los Angeles – a nod to the city where it all began in 1979.
In recent years, skate groups have been taking over parks and city streets, with a new wave of young people joining the scene for more than just sport – it’s about real-life connection. But skating has always been more than just movement. It’s a vibrant culture rooted in music, fashion, and self-expression.
At the heart 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, Liberty has brought new life to the brand. Flipper’s is not just a skating hall, it’s a cultural hotspot that has attracted the likes of Prince, Usher, Dr. Dre, and Mary J. Blige over the years. It has also collaborated with subcultures and fashion brands such as Brain Dead, adidas, and Hunza G.
Now, after a series of high-energy revivals and partnerships, Flipper’s is entering its next era with the launch of its first-ever fashion label, Flipper’s Fashion Collection. Led by 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. The collection also features graphic tees and sweats with original archival imagery from the Palace’s golden era. And for the nostalgic skate community, there are collectibles like totes, skate straps, band-aids, and sticker packs.
We caught up with Liberty Ross to discuss 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 community is what drives us. From our book Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace 1979-81, to rinks, to merch, to collabs, we are finally ready to provide our community with apparel specifically designed for them. I can’t tell you how many times friends have come up to me at Flipper’s and said, “We need cargos with stretch!” They are my inspiration behind everything we do at Flipper’s.
With social media algorithms dominated by archival fashion references, nostalgia can start to feel like a never-ending cycle, leaving little room for new design concepts. How does Flipper’s Fashion tap into the past without getting stuck there?
Liberty Ross: Music, film, and fashion will always draw inspiration from the past. But what sets us apart is that we have an authentic history. We take inspiration from our own archives and the people who have been a part of our community for decades.
