Diffusion labels can be a tough sell. Sometimes, they take what was so great about the brand they were based off of, and put a fresh spin on it (PACCBET and Gosha Rubchinskiy for example) … and sometimes what they do is a little more muddled.
One of the brands that falls into the “more muddled” category (at least as far as we’re concerned) is Aape by A Bathing Ape. Quick backstory if you’re not familiar: Aape is a less expensive version of A Bathing Ape that comes in at a slightly lower price point and is supposed to offer a younger, fresher feel. It’s aimed at a younger audience that may still want the Bathing Ape signature look but can’t/won’t dole out the cash to achieve it.
The Bathing Ape influences are obvious in Aape’s designs, as they prominently feature a different ape head logo, their own signature camo pattern, and loud all-over prints. However, that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Most of Aape’s garmets seem to have logos, prints, and patterns randomly splashed all over them, and although they’ve got a few head-turning pieces in their lines, most of them are quite garish and loud, and very reminiscent of bad mid-00’s streetwear. Sure, Aape is a cheaper line, but it’s not a good look when it’s so obvious that less skilled designers are working on the pieces. We’d even venture to say that it looks like fake Bape sometimes.
Aape may be able to find a place in the wardrobe of younger streetwear lovers, but once they get their hands on some real Bape, there’s a good chance they’ll forget about Aape completely. There’s a time and a place for everything, but as far as diffusion lines go, it’s gotta be a pretty damn specific time and place for Aape.
What do you think about Aape? Does it look like garish trash to you, or do you like the loud designs? Hit us up and let us know in the comments or on Twitter, check our Facebook page for daily updates, and, as always ,be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the fire sneaker pictures you can handle.
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