Paving the way for the future of streetwear, DJ and designer Tomoaki “Nigo” Nagao founded A Bathing Ape in 1993. Hailing from the buzzing Harajuku district, the label blurs the boundaries between ready-to-wear and popular culture with the result being a mix of the fun and fantastical elements of Japanese fashion alongside classic streetwear pieces.
Often shortened to BAPE, the Japanese label was an influential force in the Urahara movement, a style-bending collaboration of Americana staples and mid-’90s skater wear. Still finding itself in this Y2K era, the A Bathing Ape collection at UrlfreezeShops amalgamates workwear with casual basics and Ivy League pieces. Featuring bold graphics and slogan-heavy prints galore, the label takes inspiration from Planet of the Apes, with the signature Ape Head motif dominating each collection.
The brand’s military camouflage never fails to go unnoticed either. Keep a close eye for it on the labels' signature jersey t-shirts, soft cotton sweats and socks. At the forefront of the streetwear game, 30 years later BAPE’s pieces are still coveted by loyal fans each season. Taking inspiration from military jet artwork with shark prints on pure-cotton hoodies, the brand is continuously evolving.
Updated in fresh revamps that reflect the label’s unusual charisma and urban flair, cult items like the shooting star–embellished BAPE STA sneakers are perfect for completing your off duty looks. With exciting collaborations, BAPE’S place at the top of bold graphic fashion world appears firmly cemented.