BAPE Bathes In MCM’s Signature Print For Lunar New Year

It might be the Year of the Dragon but for this Lunar New Year, it’s all about the monkey. Or should I say ape? When it comes to streetwear mascots none can rival the kind of drip that A Bathing Ape’s ape has, and if you need proof look no further than their latest collaboration with German-born brand MCM. Following up on their first collab in 2019, BAPE and MCM are ringing in the new year with a capsule collection bringing their signature prints together.

Since BAPE first hitting the Harajuku scene in the early 90s (courtesy of founder Nigo), the groundbreaking brand has been at the forefront of bridging the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion having collaborated with the likes of Comme des Garcon, Kaws and more.

And it’s easy to see why when looking at the brand’s cult favourite styles like the Shark Hoodie, STA logo and signature camo print. It’s precisely those instantly recognisable motifs that are getting swathed in MCM’s equally renowned logo. The Shark Hoodie gets reimagined in MCM’s signature black and cognac shades and emblazoned with their laurel-laden crest.

Of course, it isn’t just BAPE that gets to have all the fun. The capsule collection features MCM’s most iconic silhouettes stamped with BAPE’s camo print, including the Boston and Weekender. Keeping in line with the streetwear giant’s affinity for bold playfulness, they're finished off with daring patches and a merging of the brand’s iconic logos.

‘Both brands complement one another as they achieved prominence through their natural proximity with the global streetwear movement — MCM finding a renaissance in the New York hip-hop community of the 80s, and BAPE coming of age during the explosion of Tokyo’s Harajuku scene in the 90s,’ explains MCM’s president and brand brand and commercial officer, Sabine Brunner.

Its sentiment is echoed by BAPE’s operating officer Thomas Hui who explains, ‘The launch of this capsule collection is an inspiring synergy of style, individuality and an unbridled spirit of innovation.’

The MCM x BAPE capsule collection is available at MCM’s London Flagship store, the BAPE London flagship, and Selfridges.