Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (Bape) has arrived at one of America’s largest retail and entertainment centres.
Bape has unveiled its new global retail concept at American Dream, the three million square foot, Triple Five Group property in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In a departure from the original minimalist design style of other Bape stores, the format incorporates the architectural style of Edo-period Japanese temples. The Japanese-inspired design “creatively blends nature and craftsmanship, presenting a unique oriental aesthetic value,” the company said, while paying homage to the brand’s roots.
As shoppers enter the Bape store at American Dream, they become immersed in an environment which mirrors a Japanese temple. The brand remains true to its signature camouflage pattern, but adds new elements of North American walnut wood finishes and greenery to embody a classical Japanese ambiance.
The store design incorporates walnut wood shelves and hangers and a Japanese Noren (Noren are traditional Japanese fabric dividers) in camouflage on the ceiling. Bape mantras “Made By The Ape” and “Ape Shall Never Kill Ape” are featured on wood columns as a nod to the brand’s core philosophy. Key focal points include the sneaker sales area, which features a wooden slat wall design, camouflage washi paper light boxes and transparent glass for a modern, spacious look.
