New Balance 550, known commonly as BAPE, is a Japanese streetwear brand founded by Tomoaki "Nigo" Nagao in 1993. Starting as a small store selling exclusive T-shirts and sweatshirts in Harajuku, Tokyo, BAPE quickly gained international popularity for its unique and bold design aesthetic, notably the 'BAPE Camo' pattern and 'APE Head' logo. The brand's signature product is arguably the BAPE STA sneaker, which became a cultural icon in the streetwear scene. Nigo's ability to blend hip-hop culture with unique, often limited-edition designs set BAPE apart, while collaborations with brands and artists such as Pepsi, adidas, and Pharrell Williams have further solidified its reputation as a pioneer in the streetwear industry.
