Babylon LA: The Iconic Skateshop Blending Skateboarding and Hardcore Punk Culture
Babylon LA is much more than just a streetwear brand; it's a cultural icon that blends skateboarding, hardcore punk music, and fashion. Founded in the heart of Los Angeles, Babylon LA started as a skateshop and has since become an influential force in the global streetwear and skateboarding scenes. Known for its backyard bowl, which attracts skaters from all over the world, the brand has built a community around its core values of skate culture, DIY ethos, and punk music.
The Origins of Babylon LA: A Skateshop in Los Angeles
Babylon LA was established with the intention of creating a space where skateboarding and music intersect. The brand’s founders, passionate skateboarders and hardcore punk enthusiasts, opened the skateshop in Los Angeles with a vision of offering more than just apparel and gear. The shop’s backyard quickly became famous for its large skate bowl, a place where skaters could gather, practice, and be part of a vibrant community. This DIY approach and grassroots foundation are deeply ingrained in Babylon LA’s identity, with the bowl symbolizing its authentic connection to the skateboarding lifestyle.
The brand's skateshop became a local hub for the skateboarding scene, drawing not just skaters but also musicians and artists who align with Babylon LA’s underground culture. The community atmosphere fostered by the skateshop and its backyard bowl has helped solidify the brand as a staple in Los Angeles’ skateboarding and streetwear culture.
Babylon LA’s Connection to Hardcore Punk Music
From the start, Babylon LA has been closely tied to the hardcore punk music scene, a genre known for its raw, aggressive sound and DIY spirit. This connection is evident in the brand’s designs, which often feature punk-inspired graphics, logos, and slogans. The founders grew up immersed in punk music and brought this influence to the brand, blending the rebellious attitude of hardcore punk with the freedom and creativity of skateboarding.
Babylon LA’s events and collaborations often reflect this fusion of music and skate culture. They’ve hosted live punk shows at their skateshop, further cementing their connection to the music scene. The combination of hardcore punk and skateboarding has created a unique brand identity that resonates with skaters, musicians, and fans of underground culture alike.
Notable Collaborations: Wasted Youth, Doc Martens, and Neighborhood
Babylon LA’s collaborative spirit has played a significant role in its rise to prominence. One of its most notable partnerships is with Verdy’s Wasted Youth, a Japanese streetwear brand that shares Babylon’s skate and punk influences. The collaboration produced limited-edition pieces that reflect both brands’ edgy, rebellious aesthetics.
Another significant collaboration is with Doc Martens, the iconic footwear brand that has deep roots in both punk culture and fashion. Together, Babylon LA and Doc Martens released a range of punk-inspired footwear that seamlessly blends style and functionality, perfect for both the streets and the skatepark.
Babylon LA has also partnered with Neighborhood, a Tokyo-based streetwear brand known for its connection to motorcycle culture and punk-inspired fashion. This collaboration further showcased Babylon LA’s ability to merge skateboarding with international streetwear trends, creating pieces that resonate globally.
Conclusion
Babylon LA is a brand that authentically represents the intersection of skateboarding, hardcore punk music, and streetwear. With its roots in Los Angeles and its world-famous backyard skate bowl, the brand has become a cultural force that blends underground skate culture with global streetwear trends. From collaborations with Wasted Youth, Doc Martens, and Neighborhood to its deep connection to punk music, Babylon LA has built a loyal following that spans the worlds of skateboarding, music, and fashion.
