What is 'A Bathing Ape' and the Start of Bape

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December 17, 2024 1 min read

THE BEGINNING OF BAPE

NIGO can be looked at as the person who was able to transcend streetwear across cultures and continents — he started Bape in 1993 in Japan’s Urahara neighborhood, which is considered to be the birthplace of Japanese streetwear. From there, while it took some time, the DJ/producer/entrepreneur was able to propel A Bathing Ape into mainstream status.

Bape Hoodie

Nigo

During the 2000s many of hip-hop’s most high-profile artists such as Lil Wayne, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West adopted the brand’s flamboyant fashions. Soon after, young style-minded consumers also wanted to dress like their favorite rappers, donning the brand’s signature shark hoodies, purple camouflage tees and multicoloured Bapesta sneakers.

Nigo: founder of A Bathing Ape, Bape

If there was any evidence to Bape’s reach and longevity, the newer crop of massively influential rap artists like the ASAP Mob, Kid Cudi and Future can be seen wearing pieces from its seasonal collections. And if you visit its online shops, you can witness a bulk of its the products always selling out, even at such hefty price points.

Metro Boomin

Metro Boomin wearing Bape