BAPE\u00ae\u2019s imprint on mainstream fashion is deep-rooted in early ’90s and ’00s iconography.<\/p>\n
Three years after its founding in 1993, BAPE\u00ae introduced a warped camouflage print that would skyrocket the brand to global notoriety. The iconic motif in question is BAPE\u00ae CAMO, a graphic design influencing the likes of contemporary streetwear, sports, decor and houseware. First worn by Pharrell Williams and Kanye West (Ye) in their respective In Search Of\u2026<\/em> (2001) and College Dropout<\/em> (2004) eras, the design has enraptured today\u2019s most notable stars and tastemakers.<\/p>\n In the latest episode of Behind the HYPE, Hypebeast explores the beginnings of BAPE\u00ae CAMO, its ever-present cult following and its legacy of redefining a utilitarian pattern to stand out from the pack.<\/p>\n Founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) in 1993, BAPE\u00ae (A Bathing Ape\u00ae) debuted its signature APE HEAD motif, inspired by the 1968 film Planet of the Apes<\/em> and conceptualized by graphic designer Sk8thing (Shinichiro Nakamura), who ultimately shaped the design language of BAPE\u00ae\u2019s early graphics. Other successful patterns followed, featuring BABY MILO\u00ae, BAPE\u00ae SHARK, and early ideations of the BAPE STA\u2122\ufe0f sneakers. Even more synonymous with the \u201800s streetwear scene was BAPE\u00ae\u2019s MANKEY-designed 1st CAMO pattern, spawning a series of collections from 1996 onward. It experimented with elements of militaria and utilitarian tactile gear, merging a traditional camouflage pattern with Japanese street aesthetics. The first-ever CAMO Shark Hoodie retailed at $500 USD, since evolving into a streetwear staple and coveted collectible on resale sites.<\/p>\n A year later, BAPE\u00ae unveiled a vibrantly colored, psychedelic iteration of 1st CAMO. Coined ABC CAMO, it incorporated a slightly distorted APE HEAD that eventually adorned future designs in various colorways and silhouettes. MANKEY\u2019s BABY MILO\u00ae, released in 1999, ushered in an arsenal of pigmented T-shirts, hoodies and varsity jackets. Drawing inspiration from the \u201cFlying Tigers\u201d and the iconic shark face designs applied to their planes, BAPE\u00ae introduced its first full-zip CAMO SHARK hoodie in 2004, featuring an open-jawed shark graphic decorating its needle-like hood.<\/p>\n With an iron grip on youth culture and a hunger to expand, BAPE\u00ae established its commercial appeal in categories outside of fashion. Crossover collaborations with SUPREME, UNDERCOVER, adidas, Rimowa, mastermind Japan and Swarovski maximized the label\u2019s visibility in the home and beyond. BAPE\u00ae\u2019s eyewear and BAPEX\u00ae sub-labels also pay homage to the CAMO pattern as a ubiquitous symbol of streetwear. From the streets to the studio to highly stylized music videos, BAPE\u00ae\u2019s CAMO is worn by leading names in music, such as Drake, Rihanna, Pusha T, Lil Uzi Vert, G-Dragon, Taeyang, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, Soulja Boy, Future and more.<\/p>\n In 2009, BAPE\u00ae commemorated its 15th anniversary with a CAMO-covered art book, documenting the history and cultural impact of the pattern across pop culture. Throughout music and fashion, BAPE\u00ae has shown an ability to revitalize and reinvent its signature motifs, challenging the bounds of contemporary streetwear with eye-catching designs that captivate new consumers and collectors alike. As new stars rise to the fore, the allure and zeitgeist of BAPE\u00ae seem like fashionable initiation into the realm of Japanese streetwear and its unbreakable ties to youth-centric collectives across the globe.<\/p>\n