BAPE, launched by NIGO in 1993, is one of the most iconic streetwear brands in the world. But recent conversations have raised an unexpected question: was BAPE’s actually inspired by another, completely different brand?
This story resurfaced thanks to TOP DRWR, who made a video showcasing the similarities between NIGO’s first store, NOWHERE, and a 1991 collaboration between Erik Brunetti’s FUCT and X-Large, called X-FUCT. X-FUCT, located in Los Angeles, was pop-up store styled after New York Italian delis, with clothes displayed in freezers and a collection that featured reimagined Planet of the Apes graphics—an idea that would soon become central to BAPE.
According to rumors, NIGO is said to have attended the X-FUCT event where reportedly took photos of the entire setup. Coincidentally, just one year later, he launched A Bathing Ape, complete with its own deli-inspired store design and heavy Planet of the Apes branding.
Until recently, FUCT had never publicly addressed the similarities. But in response to TOP DRWR’s post, Brunetti confirmed:
“Did FUCT pioneer the Planet of the Apes reappropriation in streetwear? Yes, 100%.”
He added that in the ’90s, only a handful of streetwear brands existed globally—and many in Japan were heavily influenced by American culture.
Whether NIGO actually took inspiration from FUCT to launch his own brand, BAPE, is still for debate. What’s clear is that both brands helped shape what streetwear would become.
