Babylon LA Opens New Retail Flagship Store With a Skate Bowl Open to the Public

Babylon LA has opened a brand new retail flagship store to replace its Hollywood space that closed two years ago.

Taking influences from '80s Japanese retail design and site-specific artists like Gordon Matta-Clark, the new flagship features a minimalist approach that's highlighted by a selection of simple yet bold gestures. Upon first entering, visitors will set their eyes on a large window that looks like it was blasted through the wall. Below this opening is an L-shaped shou sugi ban display crafted from torched cedar, while the opposite wall features a suspended aluminium hanging rack that's inspired by collapsible utilitarian outdoor equipment. Meanwhile, the store's cash wrap takes cues from a 100-year-old 8x8 inch geometric terracotta tile and is recreated with a milled texture relief over wood and a rubber coating. There's also floor-to-ceiling stretched canvas partitions to separate the retail area from the fitting room, a pine bookshelf with a curated selection of reads and a square spiral rebar bench that falls in line with the motif of the cashwrap and tile.

The new flagship also boasts of a skate bowl that is free and open to the public. The sustainable Hager Bros-designed bowl utilizes refurbished ramps from previous builds and is connected to the interior via the large window — combining both areas with the title "Forever Under Construction."

In addition, Babylon enlisted longtime collaborator and friend Kosuke Kawamura to design its front window display, which shows a cut and paste collage of the singular palm tree that stands over the backyard ramp.

The retail/creative space will also be used as a community and event space, with Babylon partnering up with friends and artists of the brand to hold workshops like zine making, photography, filmmaking, music and painting to celebrate L.A.'s creative communities while giving back.

Take a look at the new Babylon LA flagship store above.

Babylon LA "Forever Under Construction"
4452 West Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, California

Elsewhere in fashion, here are eight drops you don't want to miss this week.

Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST