Paly Hollywood, the fashion brand cofounded by James Franco and Kyle Lindgren, made its debut at Milan’s Antonioli store with a collection of unique biker jackets and a T-shirt dedicated to Robert Blake. The Hollywood duo traveled to Milan to celebrate the launch and shared insights with WWD about the brand’s origins.
Franco, known for his acting career, revealed his passion for art during the pandemic, leading to the creation of the brand’s distinctive artworks. The collection features graphics inspired by Tinseltown’s darker side, focusing on Hollywood tragedies and niche heroes.
The highlight of the collection is the vintage Schott leather jackets airbrushed with Franco’s artwork, dedicated to deceased actors like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. The Robert Blake T-shirt delves into the actor’s controversial past, adding a unique touch to the brand’s offerings.
While Paly Hollywood is selective about its wholesale partners, stocking at retailers like H.Lorenzo and Dover Street Market, the founders are focused on maintaining a healthy growth pace. With guidance from Lindgren’s father and advice from industry experts like Josh Levine, they aim to balance creativity with business acumen.
For Franco, this creative venture represents a departure from his on-screen persona, emphasizing the importance of the work over commercial aspects. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains a passion project for the duo, reflecting their artistic vision and commitment to storytelling through fashion.