Yuga Labs, the entity behind notable Web3 initiatives like Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks, Meebits, and 10KTF, has formed a partnership with A BATHING APE (BAPE), a pioneer in the streetwear scene. Founded in Harajuku, Japan, in 1993, BAPE has been a cornerstone of Japanese street fashion for over 30 years.
The brand has been influential in introducing Japanese fashion culture to the global stage, offering iconic motifs like the “APE HEAD,” “BAPE CAMO,” and “BABY MILO.” This marks the first-ever collaboration between the two brands, resulting in a unique collection of apparel and accessories that delve into BAPE’s rich design archives.
A Focus on Limited Quantities and Community Engagement
The collection will debut globally on November 4 in Hong Kong during ApeFest, the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s annual gathering. Returning to streetwear’s roots, the partnership emphasizes exclusivity and community. Reflecting the days when BAPE sold t-shirts exclusively to a circle of friends, the collection will first be available to Bored Ape Yacht Club members.
Fans can secure these items in person at ApeFest or online through a token-based access system. Following this, BAPETAVERSE members will gain exclusive online access. Finally, in December, the collection will open to the broader public via BAPE STORE and BAPE.COM.
Thomas Hui, Chief Operating Officer of BAPE, indicated that the collaboration represents a significant intersection between fashion and Web3 technology. Vice President of Apparel and Lifestyle at Yuga Labs, Michael Ghory, further emphasized the partnership. He said, “Our partnership was built on genuine, mutual respect and a dedication to our communities, who are tired of the everywhere-ness of recent sneaker and apparel collaborations.”
Public Access and Broader Availability
Come November 5, the collection will also be available for a wider audience during the Yacht Club Open House. This significant event marks the first time Bored Ape Yacht Club will offer an interactive public experience catering to creators, collectors, and those intrigued by the crypto space. Those with tickets to the Yacht Club Open House can purchase items from the limited-edition collection, contingent on supply.
“It may come as no surprise that we’re fans,” said Greg Solano, Co-Founder of Yuga Labs, “and we know a lot of members of the Bored Ape Yacht Club are too. BAYC collaborating with BAPE on a limited physical collection feels like the most natural thing in the world.”
The partnership between Yuga Labs’ Bored Ape Yacht Club and the iconic Japanese streetwear brand BAPE marks another exciting moment in both the fashion and Web3 worlds. By merging BAPE’s longstanding influence in streetwear with Yuga Labs’ role in Web3 and the crypto community, this collaboration represents a new frontier in how traditional and digital cultures can intersect and innovate.