A History of BAPE Collaborations

A Bathing Ape has achieved plenty of success in the past two decades since its start as small streetwear brand. Out of the small group of labels that started in Japan around the same time, BAPE is arguably the most well known. While it’s popularity has reached an all time high where it’s almost not cool to wear the clothes, the brand comes out with a surprising partnership that makes you want the clothes even more.

Its recent 20-piece collaboration to celebrate the 20th Anniversary is big, but it doesn’t compare to long list of individual collaborations throughout the years. As for whom the brand works with, it’s pretty much all encompassing. There are no boundaries to BAPE’s reach. Music artists, soft drinks, TV stations, you name it: There’s no product out there that BAPE won't work with. The house that Nigo built might not have Nigo anymore, but the collaborations keep on coming. To refresh your memory on what the brand has worked on before, here is A History of BAPE Collaborations.

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Year It First Dropped: 1998-Present

Casio's G-Shock is one of BAPE's first ever collaborations with a major brand. It was rumored only 1000 pieces were made from the first collaboration, so finding it will be a little tough. To this day—15 years later—they are still going strong producing new colorways every couple seasons.

Year It First Dropped: 1998-2012

One of the first graffiti artists BAPE got together with was Stash. This was way before stateside streetwear fans even knew what BAPE was. The two met numerous times which included a collaboration of tees and some spray can pillows. Part of their second collaboration was designed for the "Tools of the Trade" at the BAPE Gallery in 2002. The duos most recent collaboration was for BAPE's 20th Annivesary collection during the first half of 2013.

Year It First Dropped: 1999

BAPE and Futura are no strangers to collaborations. Prior to meeting again to celebrate the brand's 20th Anniversary, the two met way back in the late '90s. However, you would be hard pressed to find any of these products. They might pop up on eBay once in a blue moon.

Year It First Dropped: 1999

Like free toys in cereals Japanese streetwear magazines usually come with a freebie every now and then. For Tokion they went a bit further than stuffing a random item into a plastic bag. The BAPE collaboration included a T-shirt that came in a vacuum-sealed package, and a pillow in the shape of the magazine’s logo. This was definitely better than the usual free tote.

Year It First Dropped: 2001-2012

One of the more absurd BAPE-branded products out there was a surprising collaboration with Pepsi. The soda brand tapped the streetwear label more than once times to redesign its cans and bottles. Even a soda machine got the camo treatment. Different packaging complete with the infamous camo, same great taste. And if you could get one of these for retail, which was less than a dollar, they're probably the cheapest BAPE item you could buy.

Year It First Dropped: 2002

If you want to talk about the rarest of the rare check out Supreme's collaboration with BAPE. Many patterns and monograms have blessed the iconic box logo, and in 2002 it was the Japanese brand's turn to give the design a go. Of course, the collaboration between two streetwear heavyweights attracted alot of attendtion. Many of these probably didn't even see a shelf or hanger when they first dropped.

Year It First Dropped: 2005-2012

The Marvel and BAPE universe have met numerous times for collaborations. First was in 2005 on a collection of T-shirts and sneakers featuring characters including Thor, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, and the X-Men. Trailing not too far behind was a small Spiderman capsule collection and then one involving The Avengers. One of the best part of this collaboration was the packaging for the shoes. Each came boxed in the same way all your favorite action figures came in.

Year It First Dropped: 2006

BAPE's first ever shoe to show an Air Bubble was also one of Pharrell's first collaborations with the brand. Dubbed the Roadsta, the shoe came in funky metallic colors, and featured Skateboard P's head on the heel. This is just one of the many links the super producer and the streetwear brands have together.

Year It First Dropped: 2006-2009

It seems only the coolest collabs are limited only to the Asian market. One of those was BAPE's collaboration on a series Disney plush toys. First came a camo'd out Winnie the Pooh, then came Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Minnie Mouse the following years. While the first in the series were a bit more limited, as the series went on, the additional characters were more widely available.

Year It First Dropped: 2006

The bling era was in full effect and everyone was getting iced out. Even Nigo himself put up some serious dough to get some gems on his bezel from the hip-hop's number 1 jeweler. The BAPE designer's chains were some of the most ridiculous in the game. Not available to the public, but if you had the money anything is possible.

Year It First Dropped: 2006

Before your favorite designers started working with the workwear brand, BAPE was one of the first to give its rugged apparel a streetwear touch. Instead of the rusted brown look you were used to seeing, you got three tough hoodies dipped in three colors of BAPE camo. A down-filled interior was also a nice addition.

Year It First Dropped: 2006

A collaboration that involved another iconic movie was the Japanese brand's collaboration with Scarface. Tony Montana's symbol along with Al Pacino's likeness, and the World Is Yours sculpture from the from the movie were printed on a collection of tees. The tees were stuffed in a gold champagne bottle for some serious packaging.

Year It First Dropped: 2006

Since the first time BAPE has ever introduced a sneaker it has been a BAPE-fied version of a popular silhouette made famous by other brands. When it dropped its collaboration with Converse it was the brands first real official sneaker collaboration with a major sneaker brand. No silhouette copies here, these were the official tissue.

Year It First Dropped: 2007

Sneakers that might be more limited that Nike Air Yeezy's are Kanye West's collaboration with BAPE. The brands Bapesta model got a College Dropout treatment complete with colors and the Dropout Bear mascot. Try finding these one eBay.

Year It First Dropped: 2007

Following a Marvel collaboration, BAPE couldn't ignore the hardcore fans of DC comics. The brand's answer was a collaboration that featured iconic characters like Batman, The Flash, Superman, and Wonder Woman illustrated with a twist. And yes, the hoodies had ears.

Year It First Dropped: 2007

BAPE is no stranger at helping any charitable causes. To raise money to save the environment, the brand collaborated with Japanese television NTV 24 on a small run of T-shirts. They were sold on the station's website less around 1,400 yen (roughly $14). That's a fraction of the cost of what BAPE usually charges for its product.

Year It First Dropped: 2008

Video game obsessed BAPE fans got a treat when the brand linked up with Nintendo for a collaboration. Not only was there apparel featuring Mario and Baby Milo available, a limited edition Nintendo DS featuring stars and mushroom power-up monograms was also released. If you were lucky, you could have scored yourself a gold version. The line during the Tokyo release date was insane.

Year It First Dropped: 2008

When it comes to packaging, BAPE always nails it. For its collaboration with The Godfather each T-shirt came packaged inside a gold champagne bottle (similar to the Scarface collaboration). There's no better way to pay tribute to one of the most iconic gangster flicks of all time.

Year It First Dropped: 2009

Taking part in the Ghostbusters 25th Anniversary, BAPE has linked up with famous movie franchise for a collection that included everything from apparel to mugs. The two went on to collaborate three more times making clothes available for men, women, and kids.

Year It First Dropped: 2009-2010

Everyone knows by now that Kid Cudi worked at BAPE's New York flagship location before making it big. Even after all the fame, Cudi was still repping the brand hard. Like a rare few of BAPE's famous supporters, his likeness was immortalized on a T-shirt collaboration with the brand.

Year It First Dropped: 2010

This collaboration was certainly not for everyone. The Japanese-based character is a global phenomenon that is reportedly worth $5 billion a year. It's safe to say BAPE knew what it was doing when it linked up with a character plenty of girls go crazy for.

Year It First Dropped: 2010

BAPE catered to its fishing aficionados with the most official of all collaborations. Nigo's streetwear label linked up with Daiwa, one of Japans premier fishing equipment company, on a collaboration that not only included BAPED-out apparel. Along with the fishing apparel were also sunglasses, fishing reels, and lures. The brand made sure you had the best kit to catch fish in.

Year It First Dropped: 2010

A meeting of two of the most iconic brands in streetwear didn't disappoint. Not only was this pretty historic, it also helped celebrate Stussy's 30th Anniversary. The collection consisted of outerwear, denim, tees, shoes, and accessories. SS link iconography and the famous Stussy handstyle went pretty well with camo and ape head logo.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

Harris Tweed is a century old cloth made out of Scotland. To ring in the 100th anniversary, BAPE paid tribute by using the age-old fabric on a couple of its pieces. Included were a vest, a hat, sneakers, slippers, and even a cushion. This collaboration just goes to show that the traditional textile will always remain a classic.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

In celebration of Original Fake's 4th anniversary, BAPE has teamed up with the KAWS-owned brand. The partnership turned Baby Milo into one of the graff artist's famous dissected characters. And it came with covetable toys to match. Once again another Japan only exclusive.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

Nigo is a movie nut. Next to being completely obsessed with all things Planet of the Apes, the Japanese designer also collects Star Wars memorabilia. So when this collaboration came out it wasn't a surprise. The tees feature Baby Milo hanging out with a few characters from Star Wars universe. During the release a special event was set up in Japan where you could actually see Nigo's personal Star Wars collection.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

When someone mentions cool jackets, Baracuta is one of them. With the BAPE collaboration, the exterior was left practically untouched, but it was the lining that got the full BAPE camo treatment. Rocked by many style icons from the past, the English brand can still turn a lame outfit into a cool one, and this collaboration just made it cooler.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

This isn't the first iconic British outerwear brand on the list that BAPE has worked with. Once again you can't touch a classic, the jackets came in solid traditional colors like khaki and navy. But if you wanted to get your hands on one of these raincoats you were looking at price tag reaching at least one stack.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

Ad-Rock, MCA, Mike D., and BAPE came together for a good cause to support the tsunami and earthquake victims of Japan. The result was a charity tee featuring illustrations of the famous Beastie Boys. The shirts were sold at all BAPE locations with funds raised being donated to aid.

Year It First Dropped: 2011

Though linked through the partnership between Nigo and Pharrell, BBC and BAPE never fully collaborated until it was for Fashions Night Out. The ruckus crowd always surrounding the store during the annual event fueled the hype even more. Also introduced in this line was the first apparel from Billionaire Girls Club, bringing the streetwear goodness to the ladies.

Year It First Dropped: 2011-2012

The nostalgia bug also bit BAPE, and they collaborated with a company that specialized in all things old school baseball. While brand’s usually go for the vintage style caps for an easy collaboration, the Japanese brand also added in a nice wool varsity to top it off. As for the caps, the most recent release featuring spiral letter details on the crown and large A embroidery on the front is still available on BAPE’s website.

Year It First Dropped: 2011-2012

Undoubtedly the king of brogues, Mark McNairy left his mark on the ape empire with a collection of boots and wing-tip shoes. If you wanted to spice up your office attire, these were the way to go. Plus it gave hardcore streetwear heads like BAPE fans a chance to dip into menswear.

Year It First Dropped: 2011-2012

If you're a fan of bags, you probably heard of Porter. Its partnership with BAPE has produced all types of carryall bags. Everything ranging from totes, backpacks, fanny packs, and wallets all have received black, grey, and olive colorways of camo.

Year It First Dropped: 2011-2013

With the rise of cell phone use also came the rise of cell phone accessories —especially cases. This partnership with case maker Gizmobies made sure BAPE got a piece of the market, and also make sure everything you owned had its ubiquitous camo pattern.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

BAPE's collaboration with one of the most visited theme parks in the world introduced a collection of cool products featuring the iconic Disney's iconic mouse characters. Mickey's face was blended in camo found in totes, coin pouches, and hoodies, while you could find Minnie in items for the ladies. You might not see a BAPE collaboration next time you visit your US-based Disney resort, but in Japan they can make your dreams really come true.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

Unless you lived during the '70s you might not have heard of French eyewear brand Sunpocket. The brand has since reemerged a couple years ago, and everyone took notice of its sleek foldable design. Even BAPE got their hands on these bad boys and add their own signature design.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

A collaboration initially announced through Twitter, there was lots of chatter and high anticipation on what the products would look like. Not only was this high fashion meets streetwear collaboration, the pairing seemed so unlikely. The two kept it simple with eight T-shirts that marrying CdG PLAY's heart logo along with BAPE's camo and ape head design. However, the only way to get these was to visit the BAPE store inside Dover Street Market.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

With lookbook visuals provided by L.A.-based Estevan Oriol, BAPE's playful feel got a gritty edge for its collaboration with Undefeated. The two met more than once and included athletic items that Undefeated was well known for. One of the many highlights is a varsity jacket with some serious embroidery on the back. Still available now on the Undefeated website, but be prepared to drop $1,694.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

Iconic denim brand Wrangler might be more known for Bret Farve and cowboys, but with a BAPE collaboration that all changed. The partnership led to a collection of denim items that consisted of a jacket, jeans, shirts, and tees.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary Capcom teamed up with BAPE on a small capsule collection featuring all your favorite Street Fighter characters. There were six shirts total featuring characters like Ken, Ryu, and Guile hanging out with Baby Milo. Nothing like a collaboration that brings back memories of the game that you used to lose friendships over.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

Gucci Gucci, Louis Louis, Fendi Fendi, Bape? That's not how the lyrics go, but the Bay Area rapper collaborated with the label on a T-shirt featuring a Bape-ified version of herself. The collection might not be available anymore, but her CD is still in stores.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

Maglite was a surprise collaboration that came out of nowhere, but it was certainly not the time the brand has collaborated with a streetwear label. This might win a few style points, but BAPE's collaboration with the flashlight company added a real necessary essential that always comes in handy.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

BAPE certainly loves collaborating with the British brands. For Fred Perry's 60th Anniversary, the Japanese brand helped ring in the occasion with a small capsule collection that consisted of a polo and two tees. Though the British brand is usually subtle and traditional in design, BAPE is not one to do things small. Just take a look at the large crest tribute on the back of each of the pieces.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

BAPE has been moving towards catering to the grown and sexy set, and with that came a collaboration with Tricker's. The dress shoe experts hooked it up with a pair of brogue boots that can be worn in either casual or dressier situations. It might take you a while before you wear out the soles on these shoes.

Year It First Dropped: 2012

One of BAPE's many surprising collaborations might be with the largest online shopping site in the world. Unfortunately it was only available to the co.jp set —of course. And like anything associated with the streetwear brand, the tees immediately sold out.

Year It First Dropped: 2013

The iconic Playboy magazine got together with the BAPE not to long ago. Colors were limited to only black and white as bunnies and apes symbols merged in a collection that included T-shirts, button-downs, hats, boxers, and playing cards.

Year It First Dropped: 2013

BAPE got a dose of reggae from the unlikeliest of sources. Thanks to the newly reincarnated Snoop Lion, the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg's new persona brought some red, green, and gold vibes to the streetwear brand. Sorry, no tam hats in the collection.

Year It First Dropped: 2013

Chicago's premier shop further proved its long reach with this collaboration. It helps to have proprietors like Virgil Abloh running the business. The recently released T-shirts feature simple designs on three co-branded T-shirts. They are still available on the BAPE website.

Year It First Dropped: 2013

By now it shouldn't surprise you who BAPE collaborates with. Its latest oddball partnership was with this popular gaming app. T-shirts featuring these irritated looking animals offered options in men, women, and children sizes. A lot have been saying that BAPE has hit rock bottom with this collaboration, but the brand has long since collaborated with corporate companies in the past.

Year It First Dropped: 2013

To help commemorate the band's Asian leg of their tour, BAPE made special edition T-shirts detailing each stop including on in Japan at the Summer Sonic Festival. Of course its not a BAPE artist collaboration without the obligatory Baby Milo-style mock up of all the band mates.

Instead of the artist getting stylized into a regular BAPE character per usual, A$AP Ferg gets a church-style stained glass illustration graphic holding Baby Milo. Only 100 pieces were made, so pray to the Trap Lord if you want a chance to have this piece in your closet.