Who Owns Bape Clothing? [FAQs] [Topic]

Table of Contents

Introduction

Are you a fan of Bape clothing? Have you ever wondered who is the mastermind behind this iconic streetwear brand? Well, you’re in luck because in this article, we will delve into the ownership of Bape and explore the fascinating journey of how it came to be. So sit back, relax, and prepare to uncover the secrets behind Bape Clothing!

Answer

When it comes to the ownership of Bape Clothing, the main man behind this trendy brand is none other than Nigo. Born Tomoaki Nagao, Nigo is a Japanese fashion designer and entrepreneur who has revolutionized the streetwear scene with his unique and eye-catching designs. He founded A Bathing Ape, which is more commonly known as Bape, back in 1993 and has been at the helm ever since.

Nigo’s love for street culture and music heavily influenced his creation of Bape Clothing. This brand quickly gained popularity among hip-hop artists in the late 90s and early 2000s, with celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West often spotted rocking Bape’s signature camo prints and iconic Ape Head logo.

However, in 2011, Nigo made a surprising announcement that he would be leaving Bape and selling the majority of his stake in the company to Hong Kong fashion conglomerate, I.T Limited. Despite this change in ownership, Nigo remained involved as a creative director until 2013, ensuring that his vision and unique style continued to be reflected in Bape’s designs.

In 2019, Bape Clothing took another turn in its ownership journey. I.T Limited sold its majority stake in the brand to a Chinese fashion company called XIN Holdings. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Bape, as it expanded its reach into the Chinese market and further solidified its global presence.

Despite these changes in ownership, Nigo’s influence on Bape Clothing is undeniable. His creative genius and knack for combining street culture with high-fashion aesthetics remain the backbone of the brand, making Bape a coveted name in the fashion world.

Things You Should Know

Nigo – The Creative Force Behind Bape Clothing

Nigo, also known as Tomoaki Nagao, is the founder and original creative director of Bape Clothing.

His love for street culture and music heavily influenced the brand’s designs, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with fans worldwide.

Despite no longer being the owner, Nigo’s vision continues to shape Bape’s innovative and trend-setting approach to streetwear.

Transition of Ownership: Nigo to I.T Limited

In 2011, Nigo sold the majority of his stake in Bape Clothing to Hong Kong fashion conglomerate, I.T Limited.

This transition allowed Bape to expand its reach and tap into new markets, while still maintaining its iconic designs and identity.

Nigo continued to serve as a creative director until 2013, ensuring a smooth transition and preserving the brand’s unique style.

XIN Holdings – The New Guardian of Bape Clothing

In 2019, I.T Limited sold its majority stake in Bape to Chinese fashion company, XIN Holdings.

This acquisition opened up new opportunities for Bape in the Chinese market, strengthening its global presence and brand recognition.

Under XIN Holdings’ ownership, Bape has continued to thrive and innovate, cementing its status as one of the leading streetwear brands worldwide.

Tips

Stay Up-to-Date with Bape Clothing Releases

Follow Bape’s official social media accounts and sign up for newsletters to be the first to know about new releases.

Keep an eye out for collaborations between Bape and other brands or artists, as these limited-edition pieces tend to sell out quickly.

Engage with Bape’s online community by joining forums or following dedicated fan accounts to stay informed about upcoming drops and restocks.

Authenticity Matters

When purchasing Bape Clothing, always ensure you are buying from official retailers or reliable resellers to avoid counterfeit products.

Pay attention to the details, such as the quality of the materials, stitching, and tags, as these can be indicators of authenticity.

Research the specific features of the Bape item you are interested in, as different models and releases may have unique design elements or variations.

Know Your Sizing

Bape Clothing often runs smaller compared to other brands, so be sure to consult the size charts and measurements provided by the brand.

Consider checking out online communities or forums where fellow Bape enthusiasts discuss their experiences with sizing to find the best fit.

If you have the opportunity, try on Bape clothing in-store before making a purchase, as this will give you a better idea of how their items fit.

Customize and Accessorize

Bape Clothing offers a range of accessories and customization options to elevate your style and make your outfits stand out.

Experiment with Bape’s diverse collection of hats, bags, and other accessories to add a unique touch to your look.

Consider exploring Bape’s collaboration pieces with other brands or artists, as these often feature exclusive designs that can give your outfit a one-of-a-kind edge.

Reselling and Collecting

If you’re interested in reselling Bape Clothing, familiarize yourself with the market and stay updated on current trends to ensure you make informed decisions.

Building a collection of Bape pieces? Focus on acquiring limited and rare items, such as collaborations or older releases, to increase the value and collectability of your collection.

Network with other Bape enthusiasts and collectors to gain insights and potentially discover hidden gems within the Bape community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Bape Clothing Expensive?

A: Bape Clothing is known for its premium quality and unique designs, which often come with a higher price tag compared to mainstream streetwear brands. However, the pricing varies depending on the specific item and collection.

Q: Where Can I Buy Authentic Bape Clothing?

A: Authentic Bape Clothing can be purchased from official Bape stores, authorized retailers, or their official online store. Additionally, you can also find authentic Bape pieces through trusted resellers who specialize in streetwear.

Q: Can I Wash Bape Clothing?

A: Yes, you can wash Bape Clothing following the care instructions provided on the garment’s tag. However, to maintain the quality and longevity of your Bape pieces, it is recommended to use gentle detergents, wash them inside out, and air-dry them.

Q: Does Bape Release New Collections Regularly?

A: Bape releases new collections and collaborations throughout the year. They are known for their seasonal drops and limited-edition releases, which often generate a lot of hype and excitement within the fashion community.

Q: Can I Return Bape Clothing if I Change My Mind?

A: The return policy for Bape Clothing may vary depending on the retailer or platform from which you made your purchase. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific return policy before making a purchase.