Nigo Talks About His Love Life And Nike Criticism
It’s been 15 years since Japanese fashion mastermind Nigo started a streetwear label called BAPE. Back before there was Hypebeast or multi-block lineups for hoodies, Nigo called in a favor and borrowed 4 million yen to set up shop in Harajuku, Tokyo. A decade and a half later, and everyone’s familiar with his gaudy jewelry, flashy hoodies and relationships with trend-setters like Pharrell and Kanye. But how does the brand’s head-honcho really feel?
With the special 15th anniversary commemorative BAPE book coming out this month, we caught up with Nigo for a rare interview. In our November 2008 “My Complex” column, he speaks on his love life, how he feels about Lil Wayne wearing his clothes, blogs, and the constant criticism that A Bathing Ape does Nike take-offs. Check out the five contradictions from Mr. Nagao below…
As Told To: Joe La Puma
#1: “We used to sell to something like 40 different stores in Japan… But around 1998, I decided to just cut back to our one store in Tokyo. It didn't take long until the sales from one store were as good as when we sold throughout the country. That made me realize that this was something bigger than I had imagined.”
#2: “I don't think our clothes are so expensive; we make things in a very similar system to high-fashion designers… But we are interested in casual clothes. People get our jeans, tees and sweats confused with mass-produced consumer items. We respect the spirit of what we want to do over financial considerations'that's consistent with our motto, I think.”
#3: “I sort of fell out of touch with hip-hop… But the thing that got me enthusiastic about it again in the late '90s was the South, especially Cash Money. So, Lil Wayne wearing the clothes I had made was amazing. I am very pleased if he is known for wearing Bape.”
#4: “I have a girlfriend, and we have been together for about three years. She is a well-known actress in Japan [Riho Makise], and people are aware of the relationship… But she has her own career, and I don't want to interfere in that. So, there is a conscious decision to avoid being seen together in public too often.”
#5: “I never read blogs. So, I don't even hear the criticism about us doing Nike take-offs. I'd like to say that other brands doing Bape knockoffs shows that the brand is recognized and desired… But in reality, it's really annoying to have to deal with it.”
RELATED: My Complex: Nigo (November 2008)
Chan TheJunction November 10, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Yeah Nigo is the sh..! (positive way ;) )
Grats to the 15th anniversary BAPE!
Cheers
chan from TheJunction
J.D. November 10, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Good shit complex and joe. I can’t say I’m a fan of the bathing ape brand, but the man behind it is an interesting guy. I can respect his business sense and his ability to get involved with innovative projects
Hellariches November 10, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Nigo’s the man been on bape since 05 hence since the store opened up in NY been a fan hope to see the bape x stash colaboration Varsity in teh up and comming anniversary book comming out next month
Reginald Sylvester II of Subtle Detail November 11, 2008 at 2:08 am
Im a big fan of Nigo and A Bathing Ape. He is an inspiration to me as a designer. He rarely does interviews, big ups to Complex for getting the inside scoop.
Stay Chisel November 11, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Seems like an interesting guy. Too bad he hasn’t had an original idea in years. How soon before we see the BAPE AJIII knock-off?
Jerronimo November 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Not a fan of Bathing Ape. I dig his business ethics. He goes hard for money. I just don’t rock his gear, not my style. The shoes do look like knock-offs nikes, I don’t see how peeps can rock them like they do. But hey everyone is different. Keep ur hustle arm strong main.
Peace
oh and OBAMA is the MAN!!!
Kesey November 12, 2008 at 12:24 am
He straight up infringes on the designs of Nike and other companies. He can get off his high horse about not reading blogs and paying attention to that stuff because then maybe he’d have to admit to the fact that he is unoriginal.
Just because BAPE shoes are expensive, doesn’t mean they’re not fakes. Say no to fakes.
gonzo November 12, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Its funny that he says his clothes arent expensive! $300 for some bootleg af1’s!? thats a steal!
K November 13, 2008 at 4:11 am
shut the hell up…if don’t like it, don’t buy it…even if it so expensive…nike’s bootlegs?hemmm…
trey O five November 14, 2008 at 11:26 am
the clothes are cool…dont care what ppl say…NIGO IS JOCKIN NIKE!!! Just be real and look…he a hustler tho
nfl4sale November 25, 2008 at 11:30 pm
http://www.bigbigwatch.com