A Bathing Ape, commonly known as BAPE, is a Japanese streetwear brand founded in 1993 by Tomoaki Nagao, known professionally as Nigo, in the Ura-Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan. The brand name is a reference to the Japanese expression 'a bathing ape in lukewarm water,' describing someone who overindulges in luxury. BAPE became a pioneering force in Japanese streetwear, known for its bold, colorful designs and limited production runs that created fervent demand. The brand's most recognizable design elements include the BAPE camo pattern (featuring the ape head in various colorways), the Shark Hoodie (with a zippered hood designed to cover the face with a shark mouth graphic), the Baby Milo character, and the BAPE STA sneaker, which takes clear inspiration from the Nike Air Force 1. BAPE gained international recognition in the early 2000s through adoption by hip-hop artists, most notably Pharrell Williams and Nigo's close friend Kanye West. The brand became a status symbol in hip-hop culture and was prominently featured in music videos and celebrity wardrobes. In 2011, BAPE was acquired by Hong Kong-based I.T Group for approximately $2.8 million, a fraction of its cultural value, after financial difficulties. The brand has since been majority acquired by NIGO's business was separated from BAPE. The brand currently operates under I.T Group and has expanded to approximately 30 stores worldwide in cities including Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong. BAPE remains one of the most influential streetwear brands in history, having laid the groundwork for the global streetwear movement.
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