First Look: Bape opens Japanese temple-inspired American Dream store
Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (Bape) has arrived at one of America’s largest retail and entertainment centers.
Bape has unveiled its new global retail concept at American Dream, the 3 million-sq.-ft. Triple Five Group property in East Rutherford, N.J. 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.
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Image courtesy of Bape. -
Image courtesy of Bape. -
Image courtesy of Bape.
“Our Japanese craftsmanship has always been our differentiation, and this store translates our DNA into a bespoke retail experience," said Bape CEO Mahmoud el Salahy. "This new design pushes boundaries and invites our community into an elevated expression of the brand that draws inspiration from the heritage and the future of Bape."
The new store comes on the heels of Bape opening a 1,500-sq.-ft. location at Wynn Plaza Shops in Las Vegas late last year.
Bape was founded in Japan in 1993. In addition to the New Jersey outpost, the brand operates two stores in New York City, one in Los Angeles, one in Miami, one in Las Vegas and one in Chicago. It has more than 40 stores worldwide.
[READ MORE: First Look: Inside Japanese streetwear brand Bape’s striking new Chicago flagship]
Bape's line up of labels includes A Bathing Ape, AAPE, Baby Milo, BAPE Black and Mr. Bathing Ape, which are sold in stores across Asia, North America and Europe. Beyond apparel, Bape has embraced lifestyle segments including art, furniture, toys and more.
