[STYLE] A BATHING APE X RUSSELL ATHLETIC

Just days into 2021 and this collab from A Bathing Ape and Russell Athletic has got us drooling…

Of course neither brand needs an introduction from us, with both boasting a cult following amongst streetwear enthusiasts. Russell Athletic has famously celebrated over 100 years of dressing champion athletes and by 1995, had outfitted more NFL teams than any other company!

BAPE, the brainchild of Japanese style God Nigo, has been synonymous with rappers’ wardrobes since the early 2000s. The first collection from these two powerhouses offers highly desirable pieces, perfect for the new year with one tee displaying a “Year Of The Ox” graphic emblazoned across the chest.

In their first ever collaboration, the Japanese streetwear style of BAPE® is being painted onto the US classic sport aesthetic of RUSSELL ATHLETIC® in the Fall/Winter 2020 season. You can expect a truly unique collection with items to dress you from head to toe, including a varsity jacket, coach jacket, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweater, long and short sleeved tees, and pants.

The collaboration is steeped in the hip-hop and skateboard culture from the 20th century and especially the 80s. The idea is to revive that golden age of hip-hop that was filled with colourful casual sportswear in loose cuts. This is flawlessly executed in the union of these two brands, with the iconic street DNA and culture of BAPE® magnificently illustrated on the classic sporty elements from RUSSELL ATHLETIC®.

The palette of the collection combines the very American red, white and blue RUSSELL ATHLETIC® scheme with the red, black and blues of BAPE®’s colour camo pattern. The colour arrangement has been woven together to provide a cohesive communication of both veteran American sportswear and edgy Japanese streetwear. 

The collection also features a range of iconic motifs – not only the recognisable combined logos of each band and the eagle head logo, but also ‘0293’ which indicates the founding year of the two brands (1902 and 1993). The use of flocking embroidery with enormous logos is a big nod to that very characteristic style of 80s hip hop culture.