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.
In 2015, Preston created his own homage to BAPE® with the “Street Sweeper” sneaker, an unauthorized remix of the BAPESTA. Inspired by BAPE®’s original concept, Preston’s Street Sweeper remixed Nike’s Air Force 1 by replacing the swoosh with a custom BAPESTA logo monogram fabric. Though only 10 styles were ever produced, the concept traveled around the internet and captured the attention of BAPE® representatives. Four years later in 2019 Heron Preston received a call from BAPE® to do an official collaboration together.
In addition to each of the products, a special collection of collaborative zip bags and hang tags for packaging have been created to perfectly round out the line-up. Each of the products are also branded with Heron Preston’s signature orange labels, produced by the same supplier that makes Heron Preston labels to maintain the design integrity.
The collection will be available starting today at heronpreston.com, bape.com, farfetch.com and in select BAPE® stores worldwide.
About Heron Preston:
Heron Preston is a fashion designer whose eponymous label features workwear- and streetwear-inspired separates and accessories for both women and men. In his role, he embodies the modernity of the profession; Preston has cultivated a distinct community and following, one that is propelled by of-themoment style and digital savviness, complemented by art, amplified by music and enriched by the synthesis of these cultures. An emphasis on sustainability and shining a light on the importance of environmental awareness in the fashion industry has remained central to the Heron Preston label since its founding.
About BAPE®:
Situated in the heart of Tokyo, one of the leading fashion hubs of the world, Nowhere Co., Ltd. strives to introduce Japanese fashion culture to the world. Since the brand’s establishment in 1993, BAPE® has remained as a symbol of street fashion for more than 27 years. Thus far, it has produced iconic design items, original patterns, and characters such as “APE HEAD”, “BAPE® CAMO”, “BAPE STATM”, “SHARK HOODIE” and “BABY MILO®” etc. It has now expanded its Men’s, Ladies and Kid.
