A Bathing Ape was founded in 1993 by Japanese designer Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) in the bustling Harajuku district of Tokyo. Inspired by American pop culture, hip-hop, and punk fashion, Nigo created a brand that combined cartoonish graphics with military aesthetics and bold branding. The name “A Bathing Ape in Lukewarm Water” is a satirical nod to consumer culture, and the brand quickly developed a reputation for being both stylish and culturally aware.
