Brand Profile: SLBarbier
Above: Salvador rocking the SLBarbier Plissken denim
In the basketball world, MJ’s Air Jordan could be the most iconic sneaker of all time. But in the skateboarding world, there aren’t too many kicks that can compete with the classic signature shoe from Sal Barbier, another athlete who’s associated with the number 23. Released in 1994, his Etnies Sal 23 sneaker quickly became the standard bearer for the sport’s understated cool. Barbier’s own reputation as a trendsetter grew, allowing him to found both 23 Skateboards and Elwood clothing in the mid-’90s.
These days, the SLB brand is experiencing a bit of a resurgance with SLBarbier, his apparel and lifestyle company that makes everything from denim to trilby hats. Last year, the SLB flagship store opened on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, where they sell all Barbier-related products and a slew of trusted brands. And coming full circle, Etnies and In4mation recently teamed up with the skate vet for a new version of the Sal 23 sneaker, which is available now in both black leather and red suede. After the jump, see a few kicks from the company.
