Brand Story
NIGO's Ura-Harajuku icon. Camo, shark hoodie, and Bapesta sneaker turned the brand into a cult before its global pivot under I.T Group.
Timeline
- 1993
Founded by NIGO in Tokyo
NIGO and Jun Takahashi (Undercover) found Nowhere store in Ura-Harajuku. BAPE launches as a side project.
- 1996
BAPE Camo introduced
Distinctive ape-head camo pattern becomes the brand's signature graphic.
- 2002
BAPESTA launches
Patterned after Nike Air Force 1, the BAPESTA becomes iconic sneaker shorthand for 2000s hip-hop.
- 2005
Pharrell BBC partnership
NIGO and Pharrell Williams launch Billionaire Boys Club + Ice Cream under BAPE distribution.
- 2011
Acquired by I.T Group
Hong Kong-based I.T Group buys BAPE for $2.8M. NIGO exits two years later.
- 2014
NIGO founds Human Made
After leaving BAPE, NIGO launches Human Made.
