Soap Plant Wacko: Purveyor of Post-Pop Culture 5.14

Soap Plant opened in 1971 as a tiny, family run shop in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles. Mom handled hand-crafted soaps, Dad designed the graphics, and sons Peter and Billy Shire produced original ceramics and leather wares, respectively. Billy’s outrageous leather outfits garnered him clients like Elton John and the New York Dolls.

By the early 1980s, Soap Plant was Billy’s alone and he moved the shop to Melrose Avenue. In this larger space he added books, ceramics and unique jewelry to his ever-increasing stock and Soap Plant’s eclectic array of items helped turn Melrose into an internationally recognized shopping destination.

In 1995 Billy Shire moved his entire empire back to the neighborhood where it all began. The new (and current) location boasts over 6,500 square feet of retail space in a 10,000 square foot building with a private backlot that hosts what Details Magazine calls “the best party in town” --- La Luz de Jesus Gallery’s art openings on the first Friday of each month.