Bathing Ape, also known as Bape, is a Japanese streetwear brand that has taken the world by storm. From its humble beginnings in Tokyo to its current status as a global fashion powerhouse, Bathing Ape has become a household name. But have you ever wondered who owns this iconic brand? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of Bathing Ape’s ownership and explore the key players involved.
A Brief History of Bathing Ape
Before we dive into the ownership structure, let’s take a quick look at Bathing Ape’s history. Founded in 1993 by Tomoaki Nagao, aka Nigo, Bathing Ape started as a small store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Nigo, a passionate music and fashion enthusiast, wanted to create a brand that reflected his love for hip-hop and streetwear. The name “Bathing Ape” was inspired by the Japanese term “bathing ape in lukewarm water,” which refers to someone who is relaxed and laid-back.
In the early 2000s, Bathing Ape started gaining popularity, particularly among hip-hop fans and celebrities. Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and Kanye West were among the A-listers who donned Bape’s bold, camouflage-printed hoodies and sneakers. The brand’s unique blend of Japanese kawaii (cute) culture and streetwear style resonated with fans worldwide.
The Rise of Bathing Ape’s Popularity
Bathing Ape’s popularity skyrocketed in the mid-2000s, with the brand expanding its reach to international markets. In 2005, Bape opened its first store in New York City, followed by locations in London, Paris, and Beijing. The brand’s success was fueled by its limited-edition collaborations with high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
In 2011, Bathing Ape took its brand to new heights by launching its first-ever fragrance, “Bape Fragrance.” The scent became an instant hit, solidifying the brand’s status as a lifestyle powerhouse.
The Ownership Structure
So, who owns Bathing Ape? As of 2021, the ownership structure is as follows:
| Owner | Stake |
|---|---|
| IT Group | 90% |
| Nigo (Founder) | 10% |
In 2011, Bathing Ape was acquired by IT Group, a Hong Kong-based investment company, for approximately $2.5 million. As part of the deal, Nigo retained a 10% stake in the company, ensuring his creative vision remained intact.
IT Group’s acquisition marked a significant turning point for Bathing Ape. The company’s investment enabled Bape to expand its global presence, enter new markets, and explore new product categories.
IT Group: The Power Behind Bathing Ape
IT Group, founded in 1994, is a diversified investment company with interests in fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. The company’s portfolio includes stakes in prominent brands like Gushcloud, a leading influencer marketing agency, and CLOT, a Hong Kong-based streetwear label.
Under IT Group’s guidance, Bathing Ape has leveraged its global network to collaborate with top brands and artists. In 2018, Bape partnered with Marvel Entertainment to create a limited-edition capsule collection, further solidifying its status as a global fashion powerhouse.
Nigo’s Creative Vision
Despite IT Group’s majority stake, Nigo remains an integral part of Bathing Ape’s creative direction. As the founder and creative director, Nigo continues to drive the brand’s vision, ensuring that Bape stays true to its roots and aesthetic.
Nigo’s influence is evident in every aspect of the brand, from the bold, colorful designs to the meticulous attention to detail in each product. His creative vision has enabled Bathing Ape to stay ahead of the curve, always pushing the boundaries of streetwear fashion.
Bathing Ape’s Creative Direction
Under Nigo’s guidance, Bathing Ape has continued to evolve, incorporating new materials, designs, and styles into its product lines. The brand’s creative direction is guided by three core principles:
- Innovation: Bathing Ape is constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve its products, incorporating cutting-edge materials and technologies.
- Quality: The brand is committed to delivering high-quality, durable products that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.
- Authenticity: Bathing Ape remains true to its streetwear roots, staying connected to the culture and community that has fueled its success.
The Future of Bathing Ape
As Bathing Ape looks to the future, the brand is poised for continued growth and innovation. With IT Group’s investment and Nigo’s creative vision, Bape is well-positioned to dominate the global streetwear market.
In 2020, Bathing Ape reported revenues of over $1 billion, solidifying its status as a billion-dollar brand.
The brand’s future plans include expanding its e-commerce presence, exploring new product categories, and continuing its collaborative efforts with top brands and artists.
Bathing Ape’s Impact on Streetwear Culture
Bathing Ape’s influence on streetwear culture cannot be overstated. The brand has played a significant role in shaping the genre, inspiring a new generation of designers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Bape’s impact is evident in the countless brands that have followed in its footsteps, from Supreme to Vetements.
The brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and authenticity has set a new standard for streetwear fashion, raising the bar for brands looking to make their mark on the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bathing Ape’s ownership structure is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and authenticity. With IT Group’s investment and Nigo’s creative vision, Bape is poised for continued success, solidifying its status as a global fashion powerhouse.
As Bathing Ape continues to evolve, one thing is certain – its impact on streetwear culture will be felt for generations to come.
In the world of streetwear, Bathing Ape reigns supreme, a beacon of innovation, creativity, and style that continues to inspire and influence fans worldwide.
What is Bathing Ape?
Bathing Ape, also known as Bape, is a Japanese streetwear brand founded in 1993 by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao). The brand is renowned for its high-end streetwear fashion, footwear, and accessories. Bape gained massive popularity in the early 2000s, especially among hip-hop artists and entertainers, and has since become a cultural phenomenon.
From its humble beginnings as a small store in Harajuku, Tokyo, Bape has expanded its presence globally, with stores in major cities like New York, London, and Paris. Today, Bape is considered one of the most influential and lucrative streetwear brands in the world, with collaborations with top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Louis Vuitton.
Who founded Bathing Ape?
Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) founded Bathing Ape in 1993. A Japanese entrepreneur and fashion designer, Nigo is credited with pioneering the streetwear movement in Japan and globally. Born in 1970, Nigo grew up in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and developed a passion for music, fashion, and art at an early age.
Nigo’s vision for Bape was to create a brand that merged high-end fashion with streetwear sensibilities. Under his creative direction, Bape gained a massive following, and the brand’s iconic camouflage print and bold designs became synonymous with streetwear culture. Nigo’s influence on fashion and popular culture has been immense, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential fashion designers of our time.
Who owns Bathing Ape currently?
In 2011, Hong Kong-based IT Group acquired a majority stake in Bathing Ape, with Nigo retaining a minority stake. The acquisition marked a significant turning point in Bape’s history, as the brand began to expand its reach globally.
Under IT Group’s ownership, Bape has continued to thrive, with collaborations with top brands and celebrities like Drake and Pharrell Williams. Despite changes in ownership, Bape has maintained its commitment to innovative design and high-quality products, solidifying its position as a leader in the streetwear industry.
What happened to Nigo after the acquisition?
After the acquisition, Nigo continued to serve as the creative director of Bathing Ape for several years before departing the company in 2014. He went on to pursue other ventures, including the launch of his own record label, Mild High Club, and a new fashion label, Human Made.
Nigo’s exit from Bape marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to influence the brand’s aesthetic and direction. His contributions to fashion and popular culture have been recognized globally, and he remains an icon in the streetwear and fashion communities.
What is the current valuation of Bathing Ape?
As of 2022, the valuation of Bathing Ape is estimated to be over $1 billion, making it one of the most valuable streetwear brands in the world. The brand’s massive following, successful collaborations, and strong sales have contributed to its impressive valuation.
Bape’s valuation is a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity and the growing demand for streetwear fashion. As the streetwear market continues to evolve, Bape’s position as a leader in the industry is expected to remain strong, with new collaborations and product lines in the pipeline.
Why is Bathing Ape so popular?
Bathing Ape’s popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of high-end fashion and streetwear sensibilities. The brand’s bold designs, bright colors, and attention to detail have resonated with fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Additionally, Bape’s association with hip-hop culture and its adoption by celebrities and artists have contributed to its widespread appeal. The brand’s limited-edition collaborations and exclusive releases have created a sense of urgency and exclusivity, further fueling its popularity.
What does the future hold for Bathing Ape?
As the streetwear industry continues to evolve, Bathing Ape is poised to remain a leader in the market. The brand’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following, and its ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes has ensured its continued relevance.
With new collaborations and product lines in the pipeline, Bape is expected to continue its upward trajectory. As the brand expands its reach into new markets and demographics, its influence on fashion and popular culture is likely to persist, solidifying its position as a billion-dollar brand.