Review of A Bathing Ape Fashion Line

A Bathing Ape which is also known as Bape to many people is a clothing company that originated in Japan and caters to customers who are looking for urban wear along with some street credibility. A Bathing Ape was developed by Tomoaki Nagao who also goes by the name, Nigo in 1993. Where did the name for this company originate from? Believe it or not, the idea came from the 1968 drama science fiction film, "Planet of the Apes" as well as a common Japanese phrase, "a bathing ape in lukewarm water". This expression alludes to the fact that young people are living a comfortable and possibly self-righteous lifestyle in today's society.

A Bathing Ape manufactures shirts, shorts, jeans, shoes (one known as the Bapesta Ape Force is an imitation of Nike's Air Force One), hoodies, jackets and parkas. His clothes are loud, bright fun and very childlike. You can find their signature on everything ranging from furniture to buses to even Pepsi cans.

A Bathing Ape has flourished so much since it's birth more than ten years ago, that Nigo (along with well known rapper, producer and songwriter, Pharrell Williams) wanted to conquer the United States and two years ago, he did just that. A store in New York made it's debut for customers in the west.

Nigo is responsible for not only A Bathing Ape but Ape Sounds (a record label), Bape café and gallery, Bape Cuts (hair salon) and yes something that is even called, Bape TV. Nigo also has a boutique in London.

One of the secrets to Nigo's incredible success to lasting so long in the fashion industry (when many others have failed) is the underground aspect. He has stated that he his initial idea for this was because Japanese people like items that are exclusive. As of 2005, there were only 25 outlets in Japan. When you enter one of his outlets, customers are allowed only one item of a certain product and that product must be in your own size. There are no exceptions! Nigo also loves limited edition items because they come and go. A Bathing Ape has also been known to manufacture a certain design on a shirt and sell only a few thousand of them. People will loose interest when something becomes over-saturated.

Nigo's musical inspirations growing up which most likely can be can be attributed to A Bathing Ape's fashion is Run DMC, Buddy Holly, The Beatles as well as Elvis Presley.