A BATHING APE® X ALPHA INDUSTRIES

Posted on Oct 13, 2020

The latest collaboration between A BATHING APE® and ALPHA INDUSTRIES is taking style to new altitudes. This exciting new collection sees military aesthetics – specifically air combat details – blending with cool street textures. The collaboration has produced nine unique items including an MA-1 jacket, a down jacket, a hoodie, trousers featuring six pockets, and both long and short sleeve tees.

The BAPE® graduation camo from 2012 makes an appearance as the main visual component for the collection, with its beige color appropriately fitting the collection theme. The garments are all comprised of high-quality fabric with military cuttings and feature plenty of signature motifs and branding details. Fans of either brand will be thrilled by the inclusion of the BAPE® signature ape head logo, the BAPE® hunting logo, the US army, shark, tiger and WGM symbols, as well as the ALPHA INDUSTRIES classic ‘Flying A’ motif. The exceptional craftsmanship can be witnessed in the fine embroidery, patchwork, velcro, streamers, and other iconic elements throughout the collection that reflect trendy characteristics of military pilot uniforms.

The union of function and fashion that pervades the whole collection is exemplified in the jackets. Inspired by the US ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System), the windbreaker contains 3 layers of protective material and multiple pockets. Beyond the pragmatic elements, it is also steeped in the graduation camo design and decorated with logo badge details to produce a strong, fashionable visual. The classic army green jacket is a down version of the original cutting of the ECWCS style, emphasizing its snug properties. The CORDURA® fabric on the elbows gives it an extra rugged quality. The BAPE® hunting graphic and “NO WINDAGE HOLD OFF” slogan spread across the back cement this cozy jacket’s place within the military theme.

BAPE® × ALPHA INDUSTRIES ECWCS DOWN JACKET

BAPE® × ALPHA INDUSTRIES ECWCS 3 LAYERS JACKET

It is no surprise that one of the most iconic items in the ALPHA INDUSTRIES arsenal, the MA-1 bomber jacket, made its way into this collab. It comes reversible and is covered in various signature details, most notably the shark embroidery on the classic army green side, and the BAPE® hunting graphics on the graduation camo side. The inner jacket piece is also reversible, made with smooth nylon fabric and polyester and decorated with the ape-man head velcro badge on the left breast. BAPE® was founded in 1993, and Alpha Industries is even older from 1959, and these established brands are well known for integrating authentic military design across their collections. The cuffs here are an excellent example of this, with specially designed buckles reminiscent of military dress jackets.

BAPE® × ALPHA INDUSTRIES REVERSIBLE MA-1

BAPE® × ALPHA INDUSTRIES REVERSIBLE INNER JACKET

The trousers in the collection bring functionality with its six-pocket design, and of course bring fashion with exquisite tailoring and fabrics. The stitching is what really sets these trousers apart. As with other items in the collection, there are options of army green and beige, each decorated with a variety of motifs including the flying A, the ape-man head, BAPE® velcro and the ape-man sniper print. The trousers gain an elevated fashionable air through the loose stacking effect of its drawstring cuffs.

BAPE® × ALPHA INDUSTRIES 6 POCKETS PANTS

Beyond the structured military style items, there are also pieces that provide comfy vibes while maintaining practical functionality. The hoodie comes in easy dark colours and the pockets are designed more like bags, which adds not only a fashionable layering effect, but also function to this outer wear. The tees in the collection are also anything but plain. The long sleeve is designed to appear as if it is a two-piece outfit, producing a rich visual effect. Meanwhile the short tee comes in either the distinctive, striking graduation camo or the minimalist army green while featuring iconic symbols from both brands.