adidas x BAPE: streetwear turned global icon
Words, SVD. Photo, adidas.
February 4, 2026.
The adidas x BAPE collaboration is one of those partnerships that define entire eras. Since the early 2000s, both brands have shown that streetwear can naturally connect with sports, luxury and pop culture without losing authenticity. Each new release reactivates a shared legacy that remains just as influential today as it was at the beginning.
BAPE, or A Bathing Ape
A Bathing Ape (BAPE) was founded in Tokyo in 1993 by Nigo, designer, DJ and a key figure in Japanese cultural history. Inspired by American hip-hop, cinema, manga and an obsession with exclusivity, Nigo built a brand that broke with traditional fashion codes: limited production runs, instantly recognizable graphics and a strong visual universe—such as the iconic Ape Head logo—turned BAPE into a global phenomenon.
From the start, BAPE focused on streetwear staples—hoodies, T-shirts and sneakers—but always with a collector-driven mindset. The brand pioneered desire through scarcity, and its influence quickly spread to the West, capturing the attention of artists, athletes and designers alike. Collaborations with names such as Nike, Supreme, Comme des Garçons and Pepsi further cemented its status as one of the most influential brands in contemporary urban culture.
adidas x BAPE
The relationship between adidas and BAPE officially began in 2003, marking a turning point in the world of collaborations. One of the earliest milestones was the adidas Superstar x BAPE, which fused the classic three-stripes silhouette with ABC camouflage and the Ape Head, becoming one of the most recognizable sneakers of the decade.
Over the years, the partnership expanded into new territory. Models like the adidas Stan Smith x BAPE offered a cleaner, more premium interpretation of the Japanese brand’s DNA, while ventures into football and performance led to pieces such as the adidas Predator x BAPE and adidas F50 x BAPE, bringing the camouflage aesthetic onto the pitch. Each collection struck a balance between sportswear heritage and street language, reinforcing the idea that adidas x BAPE is not a one-off collaboration, but a long-term relationship.
The latest drop
The most recent adidas x BAPE collection once again builds on recognizable silhouettes, strengthening the dialogue between sports archives and Japanese streetwear. In footwear, the spotlight returns to iconic adidas models reimagined through BAPE’s visual lens, with ABC camouflage as a unifying thread and a strong focus on materials and finishes.
Among the highlights is a new iteration of the adidas Superstar x BAPE, a cornerstone of the collaboration since its early days. The sneaker retains its classic structure—shell toe, leather upper and rubber sole—while adding exclusive graphics, co-branding and details that enhance its collectible appeal. Alongside it, updated versions of the adidas Campus 00s x BAPE offer a more refined aesthetic, balancing minimalism with street symbolism.
Beyond footwear, the drop is completed by an adidas x BAPE apparel line that translates the collaboration’s universe into everyday pieces. Jackets, hoodies and sportswear adopt functional cuts and instantly recognizable graphics, acting as a natural extension of the sneakers and reinforcing a cohesive look. As with all BAPE releases, exclusivity and immediate recognition remain central, while staying true to adidas’ technical language.
This new chapter doesn’t aim to reinvent the formula, but to refine it: reinterpreting icons, strengthening a shared legacy and reminding us why adidas x BAPE remains one of the most influential collaborations in global streetwear.
The latest adidas x BAPE collection is now available at SVD.