Anyone interested in street fashion is likely familiar with the bape shirt. Streetwear pioneer BAPE was founded in 1993 by Japanese designer Nigo. Their signature camouflage print is a hallmark of BAPE’s frequently bright and chaotic designs.
The flagship store for the popular Japanese clothing and lifestyle brand BAPE is in the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku. Although the company has locations worldwide, the Harajuku location will continue to serve as the store’s flagship location.
Bape’s popularity among A-listers and fashionistas is no surprise, but why is the brand so pricey, and is it still popular? Discover the answers here!
BAPE’s Background
Nigo and Jun Takahashi launched BAPE with 4 million yen in 1993. BAPE references Planet of the Apes. “A Bathing Ape in Lukewarm Water” could be interpreted differently now. This term refers to young Japanese elites who have accumulated wealth without exertion.
Is BAPE Always Famous?
In the realm of streetwear, BAPE is still a huge name. It used to be a big deal, but it has recently lost some of its shine. This is because consumers’ preferences have shifted, and new brands have emerged.
Aiming to maintain its place in the market, BAPE has released new products like Bape hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories. Furthermore, they’ve been teaming up with other companies to ensure their products are always cutting edge.
Without a doubt, BAPE will remain a dominant player in the streetwear industry for the foreseeable future.
BAPE’s Current Situation
BAPE has more than 30 stores worldwide, including in China, France, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These shops sell everything from apparel to shoes and purses. These stores are all well-designed and pleasant to shop in.
Since its inception in Harajuku, BAPE has grown into one of the world’s most successful and widely recognized streetwear labels. In 2011, Nigo sold the company to the Hong Kong firm I.T, where he continued his role as creative director despite the sale. Despite reaching unprecedented heights of success and reaching out to more consumers, the brand has never compromised its foundational principles.
The variety of things available from this label has grown to include footwear, women’s apparel, and even children’s wear under the BAPE label.
Why is the BAPE so Pricey?
The company must charge exorbitant prices to meet the tremendous demand for BAPE apparel. Since the company has only seen moderate success with a select few designs, fans who covet its collectibles will have to wait until they either happen upon a bargain or are willing to pay a premium.
Prices at BAPE are high because it is a high-end streetwear label. As a result of the high-quality materials and skilled labor used in its production, this brand’s clothing tends to be more costly than that of competitors. BAPE frequently partners with other high-end labels, which drives up the retail price of their products.
Bottom Line
Known for its signature camouflage print, high-profile partnerships, and widespread impact in the hip-hop community, luxury streetwear label BAPE has become an industry mainstay. The apparel from BAPE is excellent if you want something different and stylish. Moreover, the products they sell are in high demand, so expect to pay a higher price.