ROLLER SKATING IN FASHION​

ROLLER SKATING IN FASHION

Originally created in the 18th century, roller skates made their way into the fashion world in the early 1980s. Becoming a trendy accessory of the pop and quirky look of that era, they experienced a decline with the rise of inline skating in the 2000s. However, starting in the 2010s, roller skates made a comeback, appearing in various contexts. In 2009, Evian marks the return of skating by launching its baby rollers campaign. That same year, skating embodies true girl power in cinema with Whip It by Drew Barrymore. Music also embraces the trend, in various musical universes: Chet Faker and his music video Gold, or even the clip of Throw Sum Mo by Rae Sremmurd ft. Nicky Minaj and Young Thug, demonstrating that skating is suitable for everyone, regardless of tastes and styles.

/ROLLER IN READY-TO-WEAR

In terms of fashion, roller skates are an accessory that can naturally be associated with the world of skateboarding. Indeed, one of the first ready-to-wear brands to have marketed a pair of skates is none other than Van’s. In 1979, the iconic brand released its model “ SK8 Hi » ally with the roller support from ACS. These "ACS Off The Wall" skates combine comfort, speed, and stability and are among the first streetwear skates not exclusively reserved for roller derby or roller dancing. You can also find detachable SK8 Hi skates on our site, in bleu or bordeaux.

On the Nike side, little information circulates. And yet, a few rare models did emerge in the 70s and 80s. It is the Nike Blazer that kicks off this series of roller skates. Released in the 70s, it is simply one of the brand's iconic pairs, mounted on wheels. After this first experience, Nike followed up with the Killshot during the 80s. A few other pairs, like the Beachcomber, were also presented by Nike. Today, these hard-to-find skates are selling for several hundred dollars on eBay..

Recently, it is the brand Urban Outfitters who marketed no less than seven different models of roller skates from the brand Moxi, from pastel colors to the most colorful patterns. Moxi is an American skate brand created by Michelle Steilen. Their skates, designed for women, are made by Riedell, an American roller skate manufacturer. Other brands such as Rookie Bella et Rio Roller also offer multicolored skate pairs with original designs. Finally, Beyoncé also promotes the return of roller skating in the launch video for her brand Ivy Park in 2016. In this video, the singer glides on roller skates, definitely making it a trendy accessory. 

/LE ROLLER HAUT-DE-GAMME 

After making its comeback in popular culture, the big names in fashion have embraced roller skates. In early 2008, Emporio Armani partnered with the roller skates brand Skorpion for a model, the “Emporio Armani EA7 Skorpion Quadline Roller Skates”. Sold at a price of $425, this will be the only collaboration between the two brands. In 2013, Yves Saint Laurent welcome Hedi Slimane to its artistic direction. The latter focuses on modernizing the brand, particularly by giving a central place to roller skates in almost all of its collections, between 2013 and 2017, including the SL/02H and prices around 1000€.

Latest roller news, the brand new roller heels from YSL. A collector's fashion item, these 10.5 cm heels mounted on wheels come in 3 models: the Sling Back in black and red python, a colorful patchwork leather pump, and a model designed for more formal evenings, in velvet and leather. Breaking the rules of roller fashion, YSL demonstrates that roller skates are becoming a must-have in high-end fashion, even carving out a place alongside luxury heels. This advertising campaign also caused a scandal, forcing the brand to withdraw its photos.

In 2014, it is Moschino who takes ownership of the skate during Milan Fashion Week. Jeremy Scott opens the Spring/Summer 2015 Women’s Collection runway with Charlotte Free wearing Moschino roller skates. 

In 2015 as well, it is the turn of the house Robert Clergerie, in collaboration with the workshops Heritage-Paris, to give birth to a pair of roller skates. Inspired by the Roel model, the flagship product of the brand, the shoe is reimagined as a boot and assembled onto a wooden roller platform crafted entirely by hand. For this model, it costs 3000€.

The following year, Cosmoparis released two models of quad rollers: "Beverly," a glittery gold pair inspired by the disco universe, and the second "Venice," with a design similar to the works of Roy Lichtenstein. The brand's latest creation, the pair "Britney," was born in 2017.

Early April 2017, Tommy Hilfiger creates its new collection #TommyNow SS17 in collaboration with Gigi Hadid. The clip de promotion TOMMYXGIGI highlights the 90’s clothing from the collection, the summer vibe of Venice Beach, but most importantly, Tommy’s rollersquad, a group of young girls on roller skates.

Today, who better than Flaneurz represents fashion on wheels? Heir to 250 years of history, constantly renewed, the brand reinvents movement, putting the city at your feet. A logical evolution of roller skates, detachable rollers are the latest innovation, allowing you to skate to your destination and then walk as you please. Establishing a bridge between technique and fashion, Flaneurz is also the opportunity to roll with any shoes on the feet, rollerblading with your favorite shoes and matching your skates to your outfit.