A Bathing Ape - A Guide to A Bathing Ape Clothing

The Bathing Ape Clothing Company was the brainchild of a young Japanese entrepreneur by the name of Nigo.  This boutique, highly select Japanese retail shop first opened for business in 1993 in Harajuku, Japan.  The company's namesake is a play on a line from the classic American film, The Planet of the Apes.

Although Nigo's sensibilities are somewhat influenced by traditional Japanese styling, he is first and foremost a child of the American hip-hop generation.  In keeping with the "bling" trend, Nijo covered his teeth with precious jewels, and he sports excess luxuries like a gold covered cell phone and numerous top-end cars (eg. Ferraris, Lamborghinis). Part of the Bape line's appeal is its exclusivity.  Finding original Bape merchandise in the store can be difficult--if not impossible.  Nijo and his marketing executives work tirelessly to squeeze down supply so as to increase demand for the clothing.

Given the brand's cachet, it is not surprising that it has married well with American hip-hop aesthetics.  Top names in hip-hop, such as Lil Wayne and Pharrell Williams, have glommed onto Bape and fronted for the brand here in the US.  You can find a diverse catalog of Bape items, including sneakers, vinyl figurines, T-shirts, and underwear. 

There are also numerous Bape brand spin-offs, such as cafes and galleries.  Nigo and his associates are also trying to start up their own record label with help from their American hip-hop affiliates.