Barnabé, a warm and authentic shop in Montpellier
Formerly named Hype Gallery, the shop has evolved into a more mature version for becoming Barnabé. There is a large collection of quality shoes put on wooden shelves, but also accessories and pieces carefully selected. All this in a beautiful space built according influences and team trips. Always looking for novelty Barnabas attaches particular importance to brands that it holds dear. It is at 11 and 12 rue de l’argenterie in Montpellier that we met this bearded team, in love with bikes and leather, with influences made in USA …
Hi Adrien and team! Lets begin by reconstituting the context; Barnabé used to be HypeGallery, right. Can you tell us about then and now?
To put it simply, HypeGallery began in 2010 with the ambition of bringing a touch of originality to the Montpellier scene that was in painful need of it. In the beginning, we strictly dealt with Street & Sneakers, now our selection has matured and today asserts itself under a brand new logo: Barnabé.
What would you like to do with Barnabé?
Barnabé is first and foremost a stance on quality; our wish is to showcase a maximum of labels and brands that have a definite savoir-faire, and at the same time, open up our hot picks to the people who put their trust in us.
Your shop’s atmosphere is very warm and welcoming, solid oak tables, red brick walls; who’s behind the design?
We get our inspiration from travelling, and our passion for Nordic countries can really be felt throughout our shop! We found ideas by visiting shops notably in Berlin, Amsterdam, Stockholm and London.
What made you want to distribute OLOW in Barnabé?
One of OLOW’s main priorities is quality, and that touches us. The Portuguese manufacturing, the talent of the artists who work with the brand are two assets that made us want to work with the brand. And let’s not forget Christophe Chabaud’s kindness and professionalism!
A new name, the opening of a second store just across the road; what’s next for Barnabé?
We’re constantly on the lookout for new stuff. The arrival of new brands will also be a decisive factor, legends like Alden And Paraboot for shoes and Tellason and Indigofera for denim will be joining us next season. And finally, in a much closer future, we’ll be opening our new online shop www.shopbarnabe.com!
You’ll be taking part in Wheels and Waves 2015, a motorbike lifestyle festival in Biarritz. Can you tell us a little bit more about this gathering?
I can hear the engine sounds just thinking about it! The Wheels and Waves festival is one of Europe’s largest gatherings devoted to bike culture, custom and lifestyle, and this year Harley, Honda and BMW will be participating. It’s also set in idyllic surroundings, Biarritz and the Basque country. For this 2015 edition, Barnabé will be heading there in good company, since we’ll be going to meet nearly 15 000 enthusiasts with the Red wing Shoes brand!
Who’s the bike enthusiast in your team?
At Barnabé, we do nearly everything as a team! And that includes bikes!
You really appreciate what’s made in the USA at Barnabé’s; if it were to be an American town, which one would it be and why?
Hard question! When you’re a fan of biking, it’s hard not to think about the sunny Californian roads. Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco could easily do the trick. But the North and its wide-open spaces could work too! A dynamic town like Seattle also speaks to us.
Can you give us 3 major places you like to go to in Montpellier?
For a good old burger: Burger n’ Co, 1 rue du Pila St Gely.
For a cocktail to wash it down: Le PapaDoble, 6 Rue du Petit Scel.
To enlighten yourself: La Panacée, centre de culture contemporaine, 14 Rue de l’École de Pharmacie.
If I had to finish off my weekend by getting inked, where would you send me?
To my mate Bruno “Sailor” Kea and his Moderne Electrique Tattoo, 13 boulevard Pasteur.
Thank you to the team.
Find Barnabé on Facebook, Instagram and on their official site.
– P.L –
