Reimagining The Cult Classics
Heron Preston unveils a limited capsule collaboration with Bape®, a journey where the crosscultural design language meets the icons of American hip-hop with a unique Japanese streetwear aesthetic.
Heron Preston’s relationship with Bape® began when the Japanese streetwear label arrived in the United States via hip-hop personalities like Pharrell Williams, The Clipse and Kanye West who were some of the first to wear the brand’s iconic designs outside of Japan. “Growing up through the era of Nigo and Bape®, I was observing and absorbing the energy and taste levels he was introducing into streetwear. He had this special touch,” says Preston on his early memories of the brand.
Digging deep into the Bape® archives, Preston reimagines the cult classics that inspired a generation when the brand first emerged in the zeitgeist – Shark Hoodies, Bape® Camo, Ape Head and the Bapesta. The collection stays true to Heron Preston’s “instant language” design principle that faithfully preserves the heritage and history of each of the garments by simply adding to them.
The Ape Head graphic t-shirts nod to the early screen print designs of Bape® from the late 90s. A meticulous approach to the placement and finish honors these original designs with high and low effects that emulate the naive screen prints look while the heads are positioned across the rib neckline on the shirt, just as NIGO originally intended.
A workwear jacket and utility pants signal the duality between the two brands, introducing Heron Preston’s subversive take on workwear uniforms. The coordinated set is printed with throwback gestures like “Ape Shall Never Kill Ape” as well as Bape®’s existing iconic yellow ABC camo and colorful purple Color camo to create a unique two tone effect. This is how Heron Preston blended the DNA of his brand with Bape® to create something new and unique.
The collection also includes the full-zip Shark Hoodie, which is complimented with coordinated sweatpants. Staying true to the brand’s heritage, each of the fleece items are produced by Japanese factories that have an enduring relationship with Bape®. Both the hoodie and sweatpants are printed with Bape®’s famous STA, a signature icon in the world of Bapesta.
Outside of the clothing and accessories, the infamous Bapesta sneaker is faithfully reworked in Heron Preston’s signature orange. The sneaker is crafted out of premium leather with a canvas accent printed using a tonal Bape Camo. Each sneaker is branded with mismatched Bape® and Heron Preston labels.
