A Bathing Ape or BABE is one of Japan’s most famous clothing companies, founded by Tomoaki Nagao (called “Nigo”) in 1993 who is also the DJ of the j-hip hop group Teriyaki Boyz.

After studying fashion editing Nigo borrowed four million Yen from an acquaintance and opened his first store ‘Nowhere’ in Tokyo, 1993. Because he wasn’t selling so many shirts he gave some of his shirts to the Japanese recording artist and producer Cornelius who wore them while performing on stage. Then, at the beginning of 2005, Nigo and Pharrell Williams (an American rapper and producer) opened the first “A Bathing Ape” store in New York. BABE is now worn by many famous celebrities and also by some of the Prince of Tennis musical actors, such as Aiba Hiroki (also know for starring in various dramas and movies) and Yazaki Hiroshi (known for his role as Minami Kentarou or ‘the young man’s friend’ in Babel).

There are now 18 stores worldwide and besides the men series BABE which produces shirts, polos, jackets, shoes, etc. Nigo founded the women’s clothing line BAPY.

Do you think that such a brand will become more and more popular, or would you consider wearing “A Bathing Ape”-clothes?

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Source: Wikipedia
Official Site: A Bathing Ape