Insanely simple and impossibly popular, Bape shoes from A Bathing Ape are shrouded in mystery, easy to spot, hard to buy, and more in-demand than ever.
The following information will help acquaint newcomers to the world of A Bathing Ape, and includes links to sites that sell authentic Bape Sta shoes, as well as other Bathing Ape clothes and merchandise.
The following information will help acquaint newcomers to the world of A Bathing Ape, and includes links to sites that sell authentic Bape Sta shoes, as well as other Bathing Ape clothes and merchandise.
A Bathing Ape Terms to Know:
- A Bathing Ape: The company's name is derived from the Japanese expression for trend-following youth, "bathing in lukewarm water."
- Bape: Pronounced "bayp" (rhymes with "tape"), Bape is the nickname for A Bathing Ape. "Bapes" refers to Bathing Ape shoes, e.g. "Has anyone seen my Bapes?"
- Bape Sta: The official name of Bathing Ape's popular athletic shoes, also called "Bapesta."
- Fapes: Street term for fake of counterfeit Bapes.
- Busy Work Shop: This is the name of A Bathing Apes retail locations.
What Are Bapes:
Bapes is the nickname for the Bape Sta, an athletic-styled shoe from the Japanese company A Bathing Ape. The term "Bape" is used as a nickname for A Bathing Ape.
Who Created Bapes:
The Bape "Sta" shoes were an addition to the already successful Bathing Ape clothing line, created by Tokyo designer and company founder Nigo (pronounced "nee-go").
Who Wears A Bathing Ape:
Bape Stas were originally hottest amongst the hip and trendsetting Street Fashion youth of Japan.
Thanks in part to celebrities like super-producer Pharrell Williams and Good Charlotte's Benji and Joel Madden donning the label, Bathing Ape has become increasingly popular in the U.S. as well.
Thanks in part to celebrities like super-producer Pharrell Williams and Good Charlotte's Benji and Joel Madden donning the label, Bathing Ape has become increasingly popular in the U.S. as well.
The Bathing Ape Brand:
It started in 1993 with t-shirts, but this "underground" brand name is now mainstream enough to be found on a toy line, cafe, hair salon and record label, in addition to its ever-expanding line of hoodies, shirts and shoes.
Where to Buy Authentic Bape Shoes:
Of course, the best place to buy Bathing Ape products is at one of their Busy Work Shop retail outlets, or at a licensed retailer.
But if you don't happen to live in a major city and don't mind paying a bit more for them, you may want to check out the following web sites. They have a reputation for selling authentic products, but be sure to check their return policies before buying.
But if you don't happen to live in a major city and don't mind paying a bit more for them, you may want to check out the following web sites. They have a reputation for selling authentic products, but be sure to check their return policies before buying.
A Word About Fapes (Fake Bapes):
Due to the hefty price tag and because the shoes are so hard to get, there are a plethora of fakes out there. These counterfeit shoes are known as FAPEs, which is short for "Fake Bapes." If you want authentic Bape shoes, you should only purchase them from a trusted retailer. You can learn more about spotting fake bapes at the Sole Collection Forums.
Official Web Site for A Bathing Ape:
In line with their limited-edition, exclusive, keeping them in demand approach to marketing, the official Bathing Ape web site can not be viewed in your browser. Upon visiting the site, you must execute a download to actually get any information.
