BAPE us, as the name suggests, is a brand that is a part of A Bathing Ape. In a way, the brand is an evolution of an ordinary everyday object that becomes a piece of art.
Japanese Streetwear Brand
Bape us Bathing Ape is a Japanese streetwear brand that originated in Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo. Originally a niche label, the brand has now become one of the most influential in the world of streetwear.
Japanese & American Streetwear Pioneers
Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape, had a unique mix of Japanese and American streetwear pioneers working for him. He was also a fan of the 20th century pop culture, which influenced his design.
Planet of Apes
In 1993, he created his own fashion brand, which eventually became known as BAPE. He was inspired by the film Planet of the Apes.
Full-Fledged Lifestyle Brand
Bape us brand was initially launched as a sub-label, but it quickly became a full-fledged lifestyle brand. This was a move meant to break the hype trend, which was at the time sweeping Japan. It took off like a rocket.
As the brand developed, it started to collaborate with other brands. One of the first was Adidas. They would work together several times over the years.
Throughout the years, the company’s designs have appeared on clothing, accessories, and hoodies. Several famous artists have collaborated with the brand. Among them are Sanrio Family, DC Comics, and Hello Kitty.
Hong Kong Fashion Conglomerate
While A Bathing Ape is an iconic brand, its merchandise is expensive. Many fans purchase their garments based on hype. So, it’s not surprising that the brand was sold to Hong Kong fashion conglomerate I.T. for $2.8 million in 2011.
However, after the deal was completed, Nigo stepped down as CEO of the brand. He then started his own line of clothing under the name “Bathing Ape”. Known for its camo design, the brand offers plenty of products in this print.
Transformation of Everyday Objects into a Piece of Art
Whether through the creative use of materials, up-cycling, or through sheer luck, any item or object can be transformed into a work of art. A good example is Jeff Koons’ Pink Bow, a pigment print on Japanese watercolor paper. It represents the artist’s interest in mundane everyday objects.
Another example is the bicycle wheel mounted on a kitchen stool. Marcel Duchamp is credited with the first found-object sculpture in 1913. The aforementioned is a precursor to the assemblage art of the twentieth century.
Many artists have experimented with the notion of transforming everyday objects into artwork. This practice is often attributed to Pop Art, but it is not limited to the avant-garde. In fact, it has been practiced by some of the best and brightest in the field.
Context of Art World
For instance, in the context of the art world, Andy Warhol’s silver Coke bottles are a worthy entry. But, how many people are familiar with his oeuvre? He is a self-taught artist and a jack of all trades who drew and painted his way to a cult following.
Similarly, Alain Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz have repurposed ordinary household items into extraordinary works of art. Some of these projects are a bit of a cynical and sarcastic jab at the modern world.
Yet, other artists have taken a broader view, such as French photographer Cyril Le Van, who captures the decay of everyday objects. Likewise, British conceptual artist Michael Craig-Martin uses outline drawings and vivid colours to abstract mundane objects into works of art.
Bright & Flashy Designs
Among all the streetwear brands that have been around since the 1990s, BAPE is one of the most recognizable. Its bright and flashy designs are reminiscent of childhood, and appeal to the casual design lover. But despite its popularity, there are still some people who don’t like it.
BAPE was originally a Japanese brand. While it is now manufactured in China, the designs haven’t changed much. However, it’s still a designer label that carries a premium price tag.
BAPE Shark Hoodie
The BAPE Shark hoodie is one of the brand’s most recognizable garments. Although the hoodie has gone through a number of iterations, it remains a staple in A Bathing Ape history.
For a while, it was a trendsetting brand. But as times changed, it didn’t sustain its popularity. Eventually, Nigo sold the company. In 2011, he launched a new brand called Human Made.
Human Made draws inspiration from the workwear of the 20th century. Specifically, the company’s founder, Nigo, is a fan of vintage American clothes.
Last Thoughts:
BAPE’s insulated snow jackets have become a mainstay every season. And the brand’s famous shark hoodie is a must-have item.
The brand’s interior has some interesting pixelated designs. The logo is also a unique detail. Basically, it’s a reference to the 1968 film Planet of the Apes.
Having said that, BAPE does get some bad publicity. Some people haven’t been happy with the product’s quality. On the other hand, others have loved the brand.