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A Bathing Ape Book Chronicles 15 Year History

It’s been 15 years since Japanese street fashion label A Bathing Ape chin-checked cool guys who thought they’d seen and worn everything. The brand still generates unmatched blog buzz with everything from key chains to varsity jackets, but now the first official chronicle of the company is coming to bookstores.

Aptly titled A Bathing Ape, the 368-page book takes a look back at Bape’s design history, through pictures of products like G-Shocks, all over printed hoodies, and sneakers, along with the celebrities like Kanye West, Pharrell and T.I who wear them. The book will be distributed by Rizzoli International Publications and will retail for $60.00 in November. Check some preview pages after the jump.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Converse All Star Low Profile

Re-inventing a silhouette that was produced in 1917 can get tricky—especially if it’s one of the most iconic sneakers of all the time like the Chuck Taylor. Somehow, Converse turned the hardwood-classic-turned-hipster-staple into a more sleek laceless makeup with an extra long tongue and dubbed it the All Star Low Profile. Feeling the new look? Get them this month at select Converse doors, and start the movement all over again.
$94, www.converse.com

Popularity: 7% [?]

Puma Pop Art 917 Lo

Puma swagger-jacked deceased American Pop Artist Roy Lichtenstein’s style for a new silhouette they’ll introduce called the Pop Art 917 Lo. Lichtenstein was known for his deeply rooted influence in comic book art, and with the Basket 68s that Puma did a while back being a hit, the brand decided to channel Lichtenstein again for this low-profile sneaker. They’ll be available at select Puma stores this summer.
$50, puma.com

Popularity: 10% [?]

Generic Man Chuckman

Generic Man originally started back in 2006 out of a New York City loft. Since then, the brand has re-located to Los Angeles, while maintaining a studio in Milan that churns out hits like this ChuckMan.

The sneaker-shoe done right comes in a slew of colors, but this silver make-up might be the smartest option when sneakers aren’t appropriate. Check for the classy switch-up in fashion-y stores like Steven Alan and Fred Segal this summer.
$225,thegenericman.com

Popularity: 14% [?]

Vans AV3

For Anthony Van Engelen’s third model, the skater wanted to fuse a functional skate shoe, with an aesthetic that’s inspired by retro soccer shoes. Mission accomplished—as the AV3 looks like something Ronaldo would play indoor with, but is hooked up with skate-friendly features like a internal PU midsole, and a waffle grip outsole making for a sturdy ride. Check for these to drop in Vans’ team line this fall.
$65, vans.com

Popularity: 18% [?]

Creative Recreation Cesario

The Cesario is the perfect summer shoe to fake that you’re actually a classy sneaker head to your new WASP-y girlfriend’s family. We’ve seen patents and metallics applied to Creative Rec’s, but this make-up goes back to its roots of subtle heat. Check for these to hit retailers in the next few week.
$80, cr8tiverecreation.com/

Popularity: 23% [?]

Y-3 Field Medalist

The Field Medalist is one of those sneakers you lace-up when you’re looking to stand out, without having to sink to Soulja Boy skittle colorups. The metallic upper is eye-catching (there’s also a bronze make-up) and the soccer cleat-like tread is perfect for nut-kicking when someone points out they their a unisex silhouette. Whatever, we’ll take them over a pink polo any day.
$260, September, Y-3 store, New York

Popularity: 26% [?]

Creative Recreation Kaplan

We’re banking on these white-on-white Creative Recreation Kaplans’ to lead us to the 4th of July ass-getting promise land this weekend. Sure they’re basic, but simple is still “in”. Spit some G and chill poolside with your new dime. Drinks are on the house.
$130, Creativerecreation.com

Popularity: 30% [?]

Emerica Spanky Shoe

Even skaters have to clean up sometimes, which is why Emerica pumped out this skate sneaker-meets-dress shoe for Kevin “Spanky” Long. Perfect for going from the ramp to the restaurant, the sneaker falls in line with Long’s split personality, which includes high-brow activities like drinking wine at bars, and downright sleaziness like pimping chicks. As his biography reads, Long’s no stranger to hoe-business:

A former pimp, playa, hustler and con-man extraordinaire, Kevin’s nickname, Spanky, comes from the heavy-handed pimpin’ lessons he served up while breaking in hoes down on the track in the dirty ghettos of his hometown in Westlake Village, California.

We think we found our new role model.

Available now, $60,activemailorder.com

Popularity: 33% [?]

KCDC x Neckface x Vans Chukka Low

Brooklyn-based skate retailer KCDC has been serving real skaters since 2001, and this week marked the launch of their first collabo shoe—a Chukka Low with Vans and ambiguous street-vandal Neckface.

The uppers of the sneakers feature ‘Face’s artwork as well as his highly-recognizable tag that has terrorized billboards and buildings in NYC. The sneakers are limited to 100 pairs, and can only be purchased at the KCDC shop in BK (available now). To learn more about the store and the low-run sneaker check out our feature with owner Amy Gunther HERE.
$75, www.kcdcskateshop.com

Popularity: 35% [?]