BAPE and XO have teamed up for a full capsule collection. Using a special camo made for XO, the BAPE x XO collection includes a jacket, hoodies, shark shorts, tees, a rug, and an ultra-exclusive snapback hat featuring classic BAPE designs like the sta camo print, shark motif, and BAPE Sta.
Describing the BAPE collection, the Weeknd says, “BAPE has always been one of my favorite brands growing up. The quality of their product and the longevity of their company have made them iconic and it’s something we aspire to be. It’s been more than a year since we started developing this collection so I’m excited to get it out to the world.”
Get ready to grab all of the BAPE x XO collection on StockX.
Making Hip-Hop Fashion Statements
Before the Weeknd and the BAPE x XO collection, the brand has had a long history of working with cutting-edge artists, including Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Pusha T.Ā
Check out some of BAPE’s greatest hits below.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell and NIGO were introduced through Jacob the Jeweller in the early 2000s. In 2005, NIGO and Pharrell partnered on Pharrellās Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream clothing line.
Among the many iconic collaborations that have resulted from this partnership, the Roadsta stands out as one of BAPEās best pieces. The Roadsta featured BAPEās first ever shoe to have a visible air bubble. The shoe also featured a headshot of Pharrell on the heel.
Pharrell and NIGO remain friends, with Skateboard P rocking NIGOās new clothing line, Human Made.
Kanye West
Noted designer and frequent music-maker, Kanye West has had a long relationship with BAPE. In 2007, BAPE released the first shoes Ye would have a hand in designing. The resulting shoe, the Kanye West x BAPE Bapesta āCollege Dropout,ā featured the Dropout Bear.
Big Sean
Detroit native Big Sean has been a BAPE fan for years. And in 2016 he was selected to model BAPEās 2016 F/W collection. Additionally, in 2016, his cartoon likeness was featured on a line of tees, along with Kid Cudi, and Travis Scott. Ā
Teriyaki Boyz
What the Velvet Underground were to Andy Warholās Factory, the Teriyaki Boyz were to NIGO and BAPE. Founded in 2005, Ryo-Z, Wise, Illmari, and Verbal became one of the first Asian rap groups to achieve some crossover success in the US. Teriyaki Boyz have released singles with Kanye West, Pharrell, Big Sean, and Busta Rhymes. Although they havenāt released any new music since 2009, if they do trust theyāll be dipped in BAPE.
Honorable Mention: Biggie Smalls,
Always smooth since the days of Underoos, the Notorious B.I.G. was photographed rocking a BAPE Camo Tech Jacket in 1995. However, the jacket actually belonged to the legendary photographer, Shawn Mortensen, who draped his jacket over Biggie before he took the pic. Ā
But still, It just goes to show that Biggie is BAPEās absolute unit.