BAPE, founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) in 1993, hails from Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Inspired by "Planet of the Apes" and a Japanese idiom about overindulgence, the brand, influenced by 20th-century pop culture, collaborated with Jun Takahashi and Sk8thing. BAPE revolutionized streetwear with its exclusive, limited releases, iconic camo patterns, shark hoodies, and collaborations with global artists like Pharrell Williams. Despite Nigo's departure and the 2011 sale, BAPE remains a major street fashion influencer, blending playful aesthetics with high-culture elements and maintaining a devoted global following.
