By Jay’Mi Vazquez
Managing Editor
A BATHING APE, better known as BAPE, is one of the best and most influential clothing brands of all time.
Founded in 1993 by Japanese designer Nigo, the brand has grown from a small store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district into one of the most influential and recognizable names in streetwear. Its influence spans to not just fashion, but music, pop culture and global trends.
One of the key factors that set BAPE apart from other brands is its ability to blend luxury with street culture, creating a unique intersection that was previously unexplored.
Early on, BAPE introduced designs that merged high fashion aesthetics with elements of hip-hop, punk and Japanese street style. The iconic camo print, bold graphics and the instantly recognizable ape logo quickly became synonymous with both exclusivity and rebelliousness.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the brand gained a cult following, largely due to its strong ties to the hip-hop community. Artists like Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and Jay-Z were seen sporting BAPE pieces, making it a symbol of status and taste in the music world.
Nigo’s collaboration with these music icons helped catapult BAPE from a niche Japanese streetwear brand to a global sensation.
The brand’s iconic sneakers, particularly the BAPE STA, became the footwear of choice for celebrities and sneakerheads alike, sparking a new wave of hype around limited edition releases.
The exclusivity of BAPE also played a pivotal role in cementing its status as one of the most influential brands.
Limited releases, high prices, and collaborations with top designers and companies, such as Supreme, Coca-Cola and even Star Wars, kept fans eager for the next drop.
This sense of scarcity created a buzz that no other brand was able to replicate at the time, setting the stage for today’s booming resale market. The concept of “hype” was born with BAPE, and other brands would later latch onto the model to replicate its success.
However, what truly sets BAPE apart from its contemporaries is its consistency in staying relevant.
As trends come and go, BAPE has managed to remain a pillar of the streetwear scene, continuously adapting and evolving while staying true to its roots.
Nigo’s vision has been carried forward by the brand, and even after his departure, BAPE continues to dominate the global fashion conversation, with designers and influencers from every corner of the globe turning to the brand for inspiration.
BAPE’s impact on fashion is undeniable. It was one of the first brands to bring street culture into the luxury fashion world, paving the way for the rise of modern streetwear giants like Off-White, YEEZY, and Fear of God.
The brand’s evolution from a small Tokyo boutique to a globally recognized icon is a testament to its unmatched ability to influence not just fashion, but entire cultural movements.
BAPE has firmly established itself as a symbol of coolness and creativity, securing its place as one of the most influential brands in the history of fashion.
