Bape Us Bathing Ape is a streetwear brand that is known for its colorful and stylish hoodies. Founded by Nigo in 1993, the company sells clothes for men and women as well as accessories. The name is inspired by the 1968 sci-fi film Planet of the Apes. Currently, the label is sold in stores throughout Asia, Japan, and North America. It is owned by a Hong Kong fashion conglomerate. Until 2011, the company was run by founder Nigo, but later on he stepped down as CEO of the brand.
T-Shirts & Hoodies
Bape Us being a hip hop brand, A Bathing Ape also has a deep connection with Japanese culture. Although it is famous for its hip-hop influenced t-shirts and hoodies, the company is also known for its camo prints. Camouflage colors are inspired by military design and are meant to make a wearer appear inconspicuous.
Brainchild of Tomoaki Nagao
A Bathing Ape is the brainchild of Tomoaki Nagao, a movie lover. He developed the brand after watching the Planet of the Apes movie. After creating the brand, he opened his first store in Ura-Harajuku.
Since then, the brand has gained a cult status among hip-hop enthusiasts as a go-to label for fashionable clothing. The brand’s products are marketed by using scarcity and hype. In addition to the brand’s original T-shirts, the brand has also collaborated with a number of popular artists such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, and Spongebob Squarepants.
Brand’s Iconic Mascot Baby Milo
When it comes to shirts, the brand’s iconic mascot Baby Milo is emblazoned on a lot of its products. However, Baby Milo is only one of many mascots that the company has collaborated with. Some of the other brands that have worked with the brand include Hello Kitty, Marvel Comics, and DC Comics. Many of the t-shirts also feature varsity jackets that add retro flair to any look.
Financial Struggles
A Bathing Ape has been in the business for over twenty-five years, but is still growing and evolving. Since the beginning, the brand has primarily focused on producing t-shirts, but has now branched out into other categories, including accessories, casualwear, and lifestyle apparel. Today, the brand is sold in stores and online in several countries. Despite the brand’s success, the label has also suffered some financial struggles. According to reports, it accumulated debts of around 2.5 billion yen in 2011.
The company also launched an accessory line, Billionaire Boys Club, in 2003. This line led to the opening of stores in New York and Los Angeles. As a result, the company is working on a plan to expand its reach in overseas markets. The brand is also expanding its digital marketing channels, aiming to optimize its sales through the use of new technologies.
A Bathing Ape has remained a successful brand and will continue to do so. The company has gained widespread acclaim for its quirky graphics and designs. With its relaxed fit styles, the label is sure to be a favorite during warmer months.
American Hip-Hop Fans
A Bathing Ape has recently become a favorite of American hip-hop fans as well. The label has partnered with rapper A$AP Rocky and singer Kanye West. Furthermore, the brand has collaborated with a number of other famous brands and artists, including the Sanrio Family, MoWax, and Marvel Comics.
Hyper-Consumptive Youth
Bape Us (A Bathing Ape) is a streetwear brand that’s been around for more than 25 years. It was founded by NIGO, a Japanese cultural icon and fashion guru. The name, which means bathing ape in lukewarm water, was a reference to hyper-consumptive youth, or as Nigo calls it, a “bathing ape in lukewarm waters.”
The brand started out in Tokyo in 1993 as a collaboration between NIGO and UNKLE’s James Lavelle. After the two designers teamed up, it took off, becoming one of the hottest trends in the early 2000s. It wasn’t long before the bright, colorful designs became the staple of hip-hop culture.
Jackets & Accessories
BAPE is famous for its iconic camo print. This print has become a mainstay in contemporary streetwear, appearing on many hoodies, jackets and accessories. But what is the story behind this trend?
A Bathing Ape was the brainchild of NIGO, a designer who studied fashion editing in college. He was an ardent fan of 20th century pop culture and based the BAPE logo on the 1968 film Planet of the Apes.
Graphic Design & Pixelated BAPE Camo Print
While the original concept was simple, it quickly exploded in popularity, with its bright colors, minimalist graphic design and pixelated BAPE camo print. Initially, the product was only available in Japan, and it was difficult for overseas buyers to find the brand. However, in the late ’90s, a number of major players began to take note of the brand’s popularity and started sporting it.
Eventually, BAPE’s popularity spread across the globe. It was even mentioned in several songs. By the end of the decade, BAPE had outfitted many top rap stars, including Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy and Pusha-T.
Last Words:
In 2011, the brand was sold to Hong Kong-based fashion brand I.T., who opened a series of retail stores throughout the world. One of the most recent of these opened in Paris, France. At the opening, Highsnobiety and other media outlets livestreamed the event. Afterwards, Nigo stepped down as CEO, allowing I.T. to take over the brand.
Today, BAPE is a mainstay in contemporary streetwear. Many heavyweight retailers have carried the brand, and its products can be found in stores in Asia and the US. There are also online retail sites. You can shop the official BAPE store, or check out its catalogue of items.
