Japanese Streetwear Brands

Japanese Streetwear Brands

Introduction

Japanese clothing is a major hit in the streetwear world. They are and have been extremely influential and over the past couple years their popularity has skyrocketed. Brands such as Bape, Undercover, and Come Des Garçons have taken front stage in a lot of peoples eyes. 

Bape

Bape, or "A Bathing Ape", is what most people think of when they think Japanese streetwear. This brand was started in 1993 by Tomoaki Nagao, who goes by Nigo. He started this brand with Jun Takahashi (another famous Japanese designer but we will get to that later) and branded it after the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes". Since then Bape has spread in popularity until it was sold in 2011 when a Hong Kong fashion conglomerate purchased it. Bape has had many collaborations and has worked with many different brands.

Notable Bape Collaborations

• Supreme
• Coca-Cola 
• Pepsi
• Kaws
• Adidas

Undercover

Undercover was founded in 1994 by the previously mentioned Jun Takahashi. He founded undercover while still in school at Tokyo's Bunka Fashion College. Jun Takahashi was known to be the rebellious bad boy in the Japanese fashion scene and he was heavily influenced by the Sex Pistols which is where he got the punk. He defied all norms of the runway doing whatever he wanted all while making name for himself with Bape on the side. 

Notable Undercover Collaborations

• Supreme
• Vans
• Off White
• Converse

Personal Collection

I have a pretty large collection of Japanese streetwear ranging from the Bape and Undercover that was talked about in this blog, but also from more Japanese brands such as Comme Des Garcons and WTAPs. I prefer Japanese style over the European style it is more outgoing and vibrant compared to some of the more simple brands from Europe. The only issue is sizing and buying the right size. My personal favorite Japanese brand is Undercover I have over ten of their pieces in my wardrobe.