THE BODY SHOP, 8250 Sunset Blvd. at Harper. The eight neon images of naked female dancers that decorate the Body Shop’s facade make abundantly clear that this isn’t a place to get an oil change or a muffler repaired. A minus is that no alcohol is served. But that permits a plus — Body Shop stays open until 4 a.m. Photo by Joshua Barash.
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PLEASURE CHEST, 7733 Santa Monica Blvd. near North Spaulding. This “adult” emporium’s bright red, vertical neon sign brashly projects a brand the meaning of which even a eunuch would get. It carries pretty much everything one would need to create, or indulge in, a fantasy. Photo by Joshua Barash.
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STUDS THEATER, 7734 Santa Monica Blvd. at North Spaulding. Studs’ lighting isn’t really neon. But this porn, er “adult” theatre bears a bright but reserved sign and on the inside features the handprints and footprints of X-rated stars such as Marilyn Chambers, John Holmes, Linda Lovelace, and Harry Reems. Worth a visit for that touch of history, even if you’re not a fan of movies without plots. Photo by Joshua Barash.
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UNICORN ALLEY, 8940 Santa Monica Blvd. just east of North Robertson. Unicorn Alley, now replaced by Cooley’s, a gastropub expected to open later this year, was branded with a neon sign that seems quite reserved, especially when contrasted with its “adult” merchandise, which included print and video media and a wide array of “toys.” While it appealed to all orientations, its Boystown location made it especially GFTG (Good for the Gays). Photo by Joshua Barash.
