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Mens
5 Things To Know About BAPE
BAPE, or A Bathing Ape, was founded in Japan in 1993. The brand is widely regarded as the first true streetwear brand in the world. In this article, we delve into the story behind the cult-favourite brand, the designs that changed streetwear fashion and outline the 5 things you need to know about BAPE.
1. The BAPE Logo
The original founder of BAPE, Nigo, was an avid fan of 20th century pop culture, and channelled his love for the 1968 film Planet of the Apes into the name and iconic BAPE logo. The emblem also takes inspiration from the Japanese idiom ‘A bathing ape in lukewarm water’, which references overindulgence and complacency. The phrase refers to someone who stays in the bath until the water has lost its heat, and was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the opulence of a younger Japanese generation.
2. The Iconic Camouflage Print
The BAPE camo print is one of the most recognizable streetwear graphics around. The iconic graphic blends a military camo print with an abstraction of the ape face, often incorporating brighter colours. Traditionally, camouflage print is designed to blend into one's surroundings, but BAPE's designs do anything but.
3. BAPE & Hip Hop
Before the internet truly boomed, BAPE started appearing in hip-hop videos throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s, transcending its backstreet origins and blowing up globally, moving beyond Japan. BAPE is an early example of hip-hop and streetwear’s power to influence culture globally.
4. The Shark Hoodie
First released in 2004, the BAPE Shark Hoodie is probably one of the most iconic garments in the brand’s history. Sold in limited quantities, the full zip Shark hood became a coveted streetwear must have, its rarity adding to its appeal.
5. Exclusivity
Building on the last point, BAPE’s rare availability worldwide and limited edition drops continue to make it one of the most sought after original streetwear brands, truly statement-making.
BAPE is available exclusively in Ireland at #BTMenswear