WORLD GONE SUPER: KidSuper proves that BAPE is eternal
Lightning streaking across the shoe, deep purple camouflage draped on the limbs, sharks on the hood, or even a simple print t-shirt: A BATHING APE is synonymous with street culture. Exclusivity, iconography, hype — the brand has found relevance in every era of fashion. KidSuper’s recent collaboration with BAPE titled ‘WORLD GONE SUPER’ shows that even after Nigo’s departure, his original vision has yet to relent on its chokehold on streetwear.
In a post-hypebeast world, BAPE stands out as one of few of its kind to still stand tall. Even as other labels struggle and falter in an ever changing market, BAPE has exceptionally retained its cult status and is continuing to appeal to newer generations. While BAPE’s unique aesthetic relevance appears almost irreplicable by others, its genesis is recognizable by name. Deriving from the Japanese phrase「でぬるま湯に浸かった猿」, meaning “A Bathing Ape in Lukewarm Water”, it references the Japanese habit for hot baths. Lukewarm water thus implies overindulgence and indolence, bathing for so long that the water has turned cold. And overindulgence is the perfect way to describe BAPE’s aesthetic: as Nigo puts it, “spoiled, pampered and complacent young people.” This slothful glamor manifests itself into brightly colored patterns and prints, kawaii graphics and characters, and a definitively modern Japanese identity.
BAPE by KidSuper is the most recent evidence of the strength of this identity. As the first collection under the BAPE Collective — a tier of collaboration allowing for exploration of brand archives on an unprecedented level — it also marked BAPE’s debut at Paris Fashion Week. Colm Dillane sent models down the runway the standard Ura-Harajuku regalia, but with his own twist. Turning the iconic shark’s frown upside down and rearranging the camo into his signature face print; BAPE’s trademarks serve as the perfect template for his own ideas of bold self-expression. Therein lies the key to BAPE’s past, present and future success: powerful imagery and motifs with an infinite capacity for reinterpretation.
Collaborations with artists, companies and franchises, ranging from the everyday mundane of Pepsi cans to the extravagant luxury of a Jacob & Co. watch have only further cemented BAPE as a cultural touchstone. Any item finding itself bearing BAPE's distinct visuals will never fail to receive a healthy dose of youthful charm.
Despite setbacks after Nigo’s departure in 2013, the launch of BAPE Collective with KidSuper is a certain sign that BAPE is still ahead of the curve. With a finger on the pulse of popular culture, new collaborations always seem to be in touch with immediate trends and adorning the latest sensations. From Comme Des Garcons to the Neighbourhood to Travis Scott and Future; Colm Dillane as streetwear’s current phenomenon along with chosen campaign representatives of internet superstars Kai Cenat and Ray are no exceptions.
With a design philosophy that grows more and more relevant with every passing day, combined with a versatile image and collaborations that resonate with their cult following to create a never-ending hype generation machine; BAPE’s longevity is no mystery. BAPE Collective allowing for more potential for reimagination marks the next step; a signal that BAPE is still accelerating, that the next drop is on the wishlists of streetwear enthusiasts. Even as fashion evolves and brands come and go, BAPE’s presence and popularity will always be something to count on.
words by Christian Wan
