Label
INTERNATIONAL WARBABIES
1983
Donated by Diane Thomas, 1992
The International Warbabies boutique is long gone, but the animated neon sign that lit up its Melrose Avenue facade was preserved by the Museum of Neon Art in 1992. The saluting baby and paratroopers logo was inspired by a dream and fabricated for the Los Angeles store in 1983. Specializing in unique military inspired menswear, the shop sold English footwear, leather jackets, and accessories.
Melrose Avenue and its unique mom-n-pop shops were a harbinger of the neon revival of the 1980s. Rather than utilize common, backlit plastic signs, such stores chose classic neon for their shocking and expressive exteriors, inspiring a new generation to the neon palette.