BAYC and BAPE Collaborate to Redefine Streetwear in the Web3 Era
TL;DR:
- Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is collaborating with streetwear brand A BATHING APE (BAPE).
- This partnership combines BAPE’s streetwear legacy with web3 innovation, reimagining classic BAPE designs.
- The collaboration focuses on exclusivity and community engagement, offering early access to BAYC and BAPE community members.
- The collection will debut at ApeFest in Hong Kong, first accessible to the BAYC community, followed by BAPETAVERSE members, and a global release in December.
- Public access will be available during the Yacht Club Open House on November 5th for ticket-holders.
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has joined forces with the iconic streetwear brand A BATHING APE (BAPE).
This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it brings together the streetwear legacy of BAPE and the disruptive innovation of Bored Ape Yacht Club in the Web3 space.
A Fusion of Streetwear Heritage and Web3 Innovation
This unique collaboration between BAPE and Bored Ape Yacht Club combines iconic designs from BAPE’s rich history with the forward-looking ethos of Web3.
The result is a collection that reimagines classic BAPE designs and ushers in a return to the golden age of streetwear collecting.
“As Fashion goes hand-in-hand with Web3, particularly in the current times, where the two have the power to impact each other almost instantaneously, we are thrilled to present this groundbreaking collaboration with Yuga Labs,” said Thomas Hui, Chief Operating Officer of BAPE.
The BAYC X @BAPEOFFICIAL collab will make its debut with a limited quantity physical collection at ApeFest Hong Kong. Apes not attending can also purchase pieces from the collection online.
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC) September 26, 2023
Apes will have first dibs, but the collection will drop globally in BAPE stores soon. pic.twitter.com/lsWcUgB1AT
A Community-Centric Approach
In a departure from the overexposed collaborations often seen in modern streetwear, BAPE and Bored Ape Yacht Club have taken a different path.
They’ve created this collection with extreme exclusivity and a strong focus on their respective communities.
“Our partnership was built on genuine, mutual respect and a dedication to our communities, who are tired of the everywhere-ness of recent sneaker and apparel collaborations.
“We are excited to offer exclusive early access to our BAYC members and the BAPE Heads, and welcome the world to ape in with our later global public release,” added Michael Ghory, Yuga Labs’ new Vice President of Apparel and Lifestyle.
Been a fan since way back. pic.twitter.com/7tJbDGgou8
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC) September 25, 2023
A Staggered Release
The collection’s debut is set for November 4 during ApeFest in Hong Kong, BAYC’s annual global community event.
Following the tradition of BAPE’s early days when their t-shirts were exclusively available to friends, the collection will first launch to the BAYC community.
Members will have the opportunity to purchase items in-person during ApeFest or online with token-gated access.
Afterward, the collection will be made available to BAPETAVERSE members online.
Finally, in December, the collaboration will see a global release at BAPE STORE and BAPE.COM, making it accessible to the general public.
“It may come as no surprise that we’re fans,” said Greg Solano, Co-Founder of Yuga Labs, “and we know a lot of members of the Bored Ape Yacht Club are too. BAYC collaborating with BAPE on a limited physical collection feels like the most natural thing in the world.”
Public Access at Yacht Club Open House
For those eager to get their hands on this exclusive collaboration, there’s a chance for public ticket-holders.
During the Yacht Club Open House on November 5th, BAYC will host an interactive experience accessible to everyone.
Ticket holders will have the opportunity to access the limited-edition apparel and accessories, available while supplies last.
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